Keeping the conversation going was like pulling teeth

DATING PAST

My MOTHER and father put me forward for this, as I know they want me to settle down. I’ve been single for two years. I’ve been in three serious relationships and my first girlfriend wanted children, but I was 23 and not ready. My most recent relationship was with someone with children. I know many take on step-parenting, but ideally I would like to meet someone who hasn’t got children already.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

I was apprehensive because I recently chatted to someone online who wasn’t the person they said they were.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

While Mounika is pretty, she isn’t my type. she was wearing a yellow dress and I also made an effort with my clothes and my hair. I bought her a mini bottle of champagne for her to remember the date by, but when I gave it to her, she put it under the table without acknowledging it. I don’t usually do this on a first date, but thought I’d make an extra effort. I wish I hadn’t bothered.

EASY TO TALK TO?

We weren’t on the same wavelength. I’m an extrovert, she’s an introvert. It was like pulling teeth trying to keep conversation going.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

When our waitress came to take our order, Mounika ordered a starter and pudding. I wanted starter and main, so asked for them to come at the same time. I didn’t want to eat my main course alone. I didn’t order a dessert — by then I didn’t want to prolong the agony. we had nothing in common, and I wanted to end things as quickly as possible.

DID SPARKS FLY?

Not at all! I was dumbfounded when Mounika said she’d had an arranged marriage after meeting her ex just three times. I did pull her leg saying if we meet another two times, maybe we can marry.