His wi-fi cut out – I worried it was an excuse to end the call With a name like that I assumed she’d be French!
DATING PAST?
I’ve had a couple of long-term relationships, but neither was in the UK. My life has been rather nomadic; I was born in Ireland and grew up in Australia — in total I’ve lived in five different countries. I’m now studying for a Masters degree at Leeds University. I have dated a few people in the two years I’ve been here.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
I’ve never been on a virtual date, but I’m not someone who gets nervous. It was an exciting change.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
ArchIe is a good-looking guy. Initially I thought he might be older than me because (in a nice way) he has a mature look, but in fact we’re the same age. I was glad we were both dressed casually; I didn’t want to put pressure on the date by making it overly formal.
EASY TO TALK TO?
ArchIe’s a good listener. We spoke about my name and how I must have French ancestors because my surname sounds French, too. And I discovered Archie has travelled extensively around south America, somewhere I want to see when the world eventually opens up.
It was gorgeous weather, so I sat outside with a gin and tonic while Archie sat inside with a few beers. We discussed what our expectations had been about ‘meeting’ online and how awkward it could have been — and had a laugh about how pleasantly surprised we both were.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
When Archie’s wifi cut out and the call dropped after 30 minutes, I thought it was an excuse to end the date early. But then it happened a few more times and I realised it wasn’t deliberate. I jokingly accused him of trying to get out of the date.
DID SPARKS FLY?
Yes, definitely. We only stopped talking because I was getting sleepy — I get up at 5am, so tend not to stay up late. he is lovely.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET IN PERSON?
Yes. I’m moving to London when the lockdown ends and have already been looking at a neighbourhood near Archie’s. We swapped numbers and have been messaging one another ever since.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
hopeFULLY only good things! I suspect he’ll say I talk a lot.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HIM?
MY FAMILY are happy to welcome anyone that I like, but I know they would like Archie.
DATING PAST?
I’ve had one serious relationship, which lasted for seven years. While it’s true we grew apart, I was more willing to fight for our relationship than she was. It ended seven months ago and since then I’ve dabbled with dating apps. I’ve had both good and bad experiences, but it’s been fun.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
not especially. But that moment when you see one another pop up on the screen is a little weird!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
I WAs shocked when Ysabelle first started talking because I’d assumed she’s French — she isn’t! however, she’s physically my type and I was really happy.
I’m self-isolating at home with my family and have only summer clothes with me, so while I wanted to make an effort, my options were limited. But I made sure I wore my nicest jumper. I don’t have my computer here, either, so I had to use my phone for the video call.
EASY TO TALK TO?
I WAs worried there would be awkward silences, but that wasn’t the case at all. Ysabelle is easy to talk to and we covered everything from where we live to where we’ve been in the world.
It was quite a general chat, though. With the wifi cutting out here and there and the weirdness of a virtual date, it was hard to have a deep conversation.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
nothIng too awkward, except when my wifi cut out a few times. thankfully Ysabelle realised I wasn’t doing it deliberately.
DID SPARKS FLY?
Yes — there is definitely chemistry between us. We chatted for two hours while we had a few drinks. It was a lovely Friday evening.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET IN PERSON?
Yes, when the lockdown is over. Ysabelle gave me her phone number and we have messaged each other several times since the date.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
I’M not very good at judging that sort of thing, but I think she liked me.
WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HER?
ABsoLUteLY. I’m the middle child of five brothers and I think Ysabelle would fit in very well with us.