I couldn’t resist a peck on each cheek when he arrived
DATING PAST?
I’ve had one long-term relationship which ended in 2016. Since then, I’ve been on plenty of dates, but I don’t use apps any more as I find they encourage promiscuity.
I once flew to Spain to meet a guy I’d been chatting with online, but face to face it was challenging; he spoke no english and I spoke no Spanish. Online you can use translation software or read a message slowly. It was a brutal lesson, really.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
absolutely. I’ve never been on a blind date before. this was taking me out of my comfort zone.
I’m a bit lonely and I’d like to find someone who can bring out the best in me.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
luciano is tall and athletic with a lovely smile. He was wearing a Jimi Hendrix-type outfit, with black trousers, black shoes and a black shirt. I liked that he’d made an effort. I got there early just in case the tube wasn’t running on time and had a cocktail before luciano arrived.
EASY TO TALK TO?
I’M A talker, but I couldn’t compete with luciano. He was lovely and chatty. I have been on dates before where the atmosphere was tense and making conversation was tough.
luciano is brazilian, so it was fun to swap travel stories with someone so cultured. He told me about brazil and about the language, too. Our conversation revolved around food, beaches and culture.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
I didn’t spill anything, but I was so nervous at one point that I had to take a short break — I felt bad but luciano was lovely about it.
DID SPARKS FLY?
just as friends. While I felt comfortable with luciano, we were both physically reserved with one another. We tried each other’s food, though. I had scallops to start and luciano had a cold fish platter. then we both had fillet steak.
DID YOU KISS?
I couldn’t resist a peck on each cheek when luciano arrived. It would have been lovely to have stayed out later, but we both had early starts the next day.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I really hope he thought I was friendly and warm. the date lasted three hours and it didn’t feel hurried. I hope he thought I looked smart enough.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HIM?
yes they’d like luciano. He has got a lovely smile and was fantastic company, too.
SAMANTHA BRICK