It was my first date after my arranged marriage ended
DATING PAST
I Had an arranged marriage at 23. we only met three times before the ceremony. Unfortunately, it was a disaster and we separated after a few months. I did download a dating app, but deleted it shortly afterwards. It isn’t for me. It seems to be all about having a bit of fun.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
I told my parents and Mum was excited. They just want me to be happy. I haven’t had a date since my marriage, but I wasn’t nervous, I was looking forward to it.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
We arranged to meet at the Romulo Cafe in Kensington, london, and when he walked towards me I thought he was a good match. andrew is tall and handsome, with nice arms. He seemed flattered when I commented on them, joking that he doesn’t even go the gym.
EASY TO TALK TO?
Andrew is confident and chatty...but tends to talk quickly without pausing for breath. at one point, I jokingly told him off. He laughed, which I thought was a good sign.
Unfortunately, ten minutes later, andrew said he was looking for a woman with blonde hair who lived closer to him than I do. I think he wanted to scotch any hope I might have had of another date. I thought it was rude, but on reflection he was just being honest. He could have been more tactful, though!
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
HE made it clear he wasn’t a fan of the food. He had confit duck leg, but didn’t like it. He didn’t send it back or complain. For me, the food was excellent.
DID SPARKS FLY?
THERE was a flirty moment when he asked to take a selfie of us together. It got my hopes up, but that impression didn’t last.
DID YOU KISS?
No. Andrew suggested we leave after two hours. I would have liked to stay longer and it made me feel like he wanted to get it over with. He walked me to the Tube, then said goodbye and good luck.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I sensed he was disappointed. If he was more open-minded, it could have been a memorable date.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HIM?
I don’t think so. I showed him a picture of me in a sari. He said I looked nice, but couldn’t have been less interested in my culture. That wouldn’t have gone down well with my mum.