He wasn’t even interested in my French bulldog

DATING PAST?

My ex-boyfriend had an extremely stressful job and worked around the clock. We tried to make it work, but I couldn’t handle the pressure he was under. I’m a sensitive soul and work-life balance is important to me. before that, I was in a twoyear relationship with someone with whom I’m still friends.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

I didn’t sleep the night before, I was so nervous. but as a hair stylist I know how to break the ice, and I was sure we’d have a good time.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

when I arrived for our date two weeks ago, I wasn’t immediately physically attracted to him; I normally prefer someone taller. but personality and character count for a lot, so I made an effort to get to know him.

EASY TO TALK TO?

I’d prepared some topics, such as travelling, to get the conversation going. I was really engaged in talking, but my date was constantly looking around the restaurant and at the other diners.

He’d ask a question but didn’t seem interested in my reply. I tried to tell him about my French bulldog, Ollie, but he had already moved on to another subject. He just didn’t make me feel special. Our one area of common ground was travelling.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

daniel got up and left the table for about 15 minutes at one point. When he came back, he told me that he had taken an urgent work call. I wanted to leave the restaurant there and then. He shouldn’t have taken a call, and I didn’t like that he kept looking at his phone throughout the rest of the date.

DID SPARKS FLY?

no. I’m interested in psychology and, to me, daniel’s outfit choice said ‘no personality’. He was dressed head to toe in blue. I did everything I could to make the date go well, but he didn’t try to maintain a conversation.

DID YOU KISS?

yes, but I hadn’t wanted to! He leaned in for a kiss on each cheek when I arrived and also touched my hand, which I wasn’t keen on.

WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?

I think he liked me. He asked to go on somewhere else, but I said I had to work the next morning. When I left I felt relieved.

WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HIM?

when I told a female friend about the date, we agreed he wouldn’t fit in with our social circle. Our motto is: if you’re not going to treat me well, then I’m not interested. It’s a rule my friends and I live by.