‘ He’s not fixated on his looks like most personal trainers

DATING PAST

MY FIRST relationship started at 15 — we were together for nine years. He looked like Leonardo DiCaprio and every girl at school was in love with him. We had children young and, looking back, I realise how challenging that was. It led to our break-up. That was followed by a five-year relationship.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

NO, I was excited. I’m quite confident, as I’ve been through a lot in my life. After I’d split from my ex, I moved away from our village. No one thought I’d go through with it, but I did and I’m living my best life now. So I wasn’t worried this would take me out of my comfort zone.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

I WAS very happy with Yusuf ’s appearance. For starters, he doesn’t look like a typical personal trainer, i.e. someone who is fixated on their looks. He didn’t endlessly talk about the gym and working out.

Yusuf was wearing a smart shirt with trousers and I felt comfortable around him. I had on a dress with long boots. I think we were both happy we’d been paired up.

EASY TO TALK TO?

YeS, neither of us like fake people and I could tell from Yusuf’s profile he’d been around some like that in the past. on so many dates, you find yourself wondering if what someone is saying is true. Whereas, we’re both genuine — we mean what we say and follow through on it. I think we’re at that stage where we’ve had our families and are both looking for someone to love.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

NOT a single one. It was great from start to finish.

DID SPARKS FLY?

I’M NOT sure about sparks. However we did get on incredibly well. And while I didn’t feel instant chemistry, I’m interested enough in Yusuf to stay in contact.

SEE HIM AGAIN?

YES — why not? We travelled back home to the South Coast together on the train, chatting all the way. What a brilliant match.

WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?

YUSUF told me straight away that I’m gorgeous and he likes me. He was charmed by the fact I’m not someone he’d have picked to date in ‘real life’. He sounded genuinely happy to have met me. What’s more flattering than that?

WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HIM?

YES, because Yusuf is friendly and funny. He’s a good person.