‘ I suggested we go on for a drink, but he threw me a weird look ’

SHEBA, 44

VITAL STATISTICS

SINGLE, with a six-year-old daughter.

CURRENT ROLE

PROPERTY manager and

special educational needs coordinator.

WOULD LIKE TO MEET

SOMEONE who is kind, thoughtful and practical with a creative spark.

SHEBA’S VERDICT: 6/10

LIKED? He was sweet. REGRETS? Only that I spent so long getting ready. COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.

DATING PAST?

I’ve had four major relationships and was engaged to the father of my daughter. We broke up when I was three months pregnant after being together for nearly four years. I’ve been single for three-and-a-half years and find it hard to date as a single parent.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

Yes, this was my first ever blind date. But I made a real effort and wore a black dress and heels so I knew I would feel good.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

vIkas seemed like a considerate and kind man — he had brought a headband for my daughter and a scarf for me. He was smartly dressed in a shirt and jacket, but I didn’t initially think he was my type.

He has quite a conservative look and I tend to go for sporty men. But he has a nice face and lovely smile.

EASY TO TALK TO?

He’s on the same single-parent Whatsapp group as me. Gingerbread is a charity which helps put local single parents in touch.

We chatted about our kids, but it felt weird that he knew a lot about my situation and my break-up because of the group. These aren’t things you necessarily discuss on a first date. I’m not sure we had much in common besides our children.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

I spenT far too much time talking about my food intolerances, which I apologised for.

DID SPARKS FLY?

noT as far as I know. He gave me no sign at all that he liked me. I tried flirting by touching his arm a few times, but he didn’t respond.

I suggested we go on for a drink after the meal, but he threw me a weird look so I gave up. Instead of a kiss or a hug goodbye, he gave my shoulder a slight squeeze. It’s a shame — but since I was already dressed up, I went to a piano bar for some dancing anyway.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET AGAIN?

I Would see him again but I wouldn’t expect it to be romantic and I wouldn’t make as much effort. surely if he’d been interested he’d have gone for a drink?

WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?

I Would say he didn’t see me romantically at all. We had different energy levels. He might be a slow burner but it’s hard to tell.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS LIKE HIM?

THeY’d like him, but might not immediately match him to me.