GEMMA’S VERDICT: 6/10
LIKED? The cocktails. REGRETS? None — it was a lovely experience. COFFEE OR CAB? Cab.
DATING PAST
I have a daughter from a longterm relationship that began in my early 20s. after that ended, I met my now ex- husband and had another daughter. We were together for 11 years until I discovered he’d cheated several times — I found out about them all at once. Since then, I’ve forgotten the last time I went out on a date.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
YeS, a blind date in a newspaper is a very public thing to do.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
STeve was already at our table when I arrived. he said I looked lovely in my green dress and the staff complimented me on it, too. he had a friendly face but seemed to feel uncomfortable in his surroundings. I was disappointed he didn’t have a beard — I love men with beards.
EASY TO TALK TO?
he TOld me he wasn’t going to have a starter as there was nothing he recognised on the menu. I gently advised him to leave his comfort zone — and ordered him the squid. and guess what? he liked it.
a friend had suggested I make the date fun by having a different cocktail with each course. I didn’t get tipsy, I’m pretty good at handling alcohol. We talked about Steve’s love of Marvel films and we joked about the staff knowing we were on a blind date because the waitress had given me a little nod and smile.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
MY lOBSTer linguine was simply an empty plate and the waiter even joked it was invisible. I wondered what on earth was going on, until he brought a bowl of delicious pasta and placed it on the plate, which was just for display. Steve had joked they’d forgotten me so we both laughed when it finally came.
DID SPARKS FLY?
nOT on my part. I didn’t flirt as I didn’t want to lead him on. I like the manly viking look, and am upbeat and open-minded, whereas Steve was rather negative.
SEE HIM AGAIN?
PrOBaBlY not. Steve is a great guy but he’s not my cup of tea. Sorry, Steve.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I hOPe he thought I was kind and funny. The date ended with a goodbye hug outside the restaurant. I told Steve it was lovely to meet him, and I meant that.
WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HIM?
MY frIendS would think Steve is a lovely guy, but not for me.