‘ I’m someone who knows when the chemistry is there...’
DATING PAST?
I’ve had a few relationships with men and have only recently started identifying as bisexual. It’s not something I feel I need to make a statement about. My friends understand it’s just part of who I am. I’d rather feel chemistry and then get to know a person.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
No. I was excited, I’ve never been on a blind date and this was also my first date with a woman. In fact, it’s ages since I went on a date at all. I made an effort in a black and white tweed blazer and skirt set. I think I looked great.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
Good. Mitali is the same height as me and physically attractive; she’s pretty cool and laid back. She apologised for being late, but I’d had a cocktail or two by the time she arrived so I didn’t mind.
EASY TO TALK TO?
AT FIRST I felt like she withheld herself a bit. But when I spoke about my upbringing, I put her at ease enough to open up. We talked about Mitali’s work in mental health and how childhood traumas can affect you throughout life. It was a good, solid conversation and felt authentic.
She’s funny but assertive, too — because she arrived late the waiter tried to get us to order our food fairly promptly, but she wasn’t having any of it and firmly (but politely) ordered a cocktail.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
I ORDERED some roasted almonds, but it was only when they arrived that Mitali mentioned she had a nut allergy. Whoops.
DID SPARKS FLY?
NO, BUT I wish they had, because Mitali is such an interesting person and we had so much in common. But I am someone who knows when the chemistry is there and it just wasn’t. Sorry, Mitali.
SEE HER AGAIN?
NOT as a romantic date, but as a friend I’d love to go ice- skating with her, as she also likes it. I didn’t get her number — I wish I had.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
NO IDEA — maybe that I laughed a lot? It wasn’t something I was worried about.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS LIKE HER?
YES, because Mitali is a great person. Besides, if my friends like me they’d like her, too.