We shook hands at the end: she’d clearly had enough of me

DATING PAST?

i WAS married for 17 years until 2015. i’ve only had a few short-term relationships since then.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

No, i don’t really do nerves. i’ve been a journalist since 1986 so i’m used to speaking to new people.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

SHe was wearing a nice bright blue outfit, and my first impression was that she was slightly nervous. She was smiley and friendly enough, but seemed unsure about the date.

EASY TO TALK TO?

SHe appeared to be slightly reticent at the start. i’m used to initiating conversations, and i know some people are happy for you to take the lead — but this felt like rather hard work.

She seemed reserved when i asked about her background, her family and her kids. i felt as if i was pushing for information on the sorts of subjects which should have been very straightforward.

She’s lived and worked in a small area of West Sussex all her life, and i find that intriguing, as i’ve lived all over the world.

given that, i was interested in her take on what it’s like to have always stayed in the same place.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

NoNe that i can remember — although at one point she said she didn’t want to meet someone who always talked about sport. i’m a sports journalist!

DID SPARKS FLY?

No, i’M afraid not. She’s an attractive woman but there was no chemistry for me.

SEE HER AGAIN?

We SHooK hands at the end of the date but she made it pretty clear she’d had enough, so we wished each other good luck and that was it.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?

i reALLY couldn’t tell. She’s quite reserved and it wasn’t obvious what she thought of me.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HER?

YeS, she seems nice but they’d prefer her if she opened up a bit more.