I got the impression that she’s very money orientated

DATING PAST?

Since my ten-year relationship ended i’ve tried dating websites, but the women i’ve been attracted to were not interested in me.

i am confident but would not feel at ease with a woman who looked as if she had just fallen out of a glossy magazine. i don’t want to punch above my weight.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

i waSn’t nervous, but i did feel apprehensive and excited.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

when i arrived, wendy was enjoying a glass of wine. She was wearing a long black-andwhite dress, and looked nervous. i was pleasantly surprised by her appearance.while we were waiting for our lunch, wendy ordered a bottle of wine and i had one beer as i was driving. initially, i felt like we made a fairly wellmatched couple.

EASY TO TALK TO?

wendy told me about her past relationships, which had not been that successful. as a result, she seemed reluctant to hold a conversation about who i am and what i want in a relationship. She is stuck in the past and said little about her future plans.

we have very different interests. She loves the sea and kayaking, whereas i am a country lover who enjoys long walks.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

wendy didn’t ask me many questions about myself, and even started chatting to a couple at the next table. it’s not something i would do on a date.

DID SPARKS FLY?

no. wendy is still recovering from her past relationships. She seemed more interested in telling me about herself. She only perked up when i mentioned my business, when i was finally able to squeeze in something about me.

DID YOU KISS?

yeS, wendy suggested we should go for a walk and we held hands and kissed. i knew she wasn’t right for me, but i tried to be considerate. i wasn’t concerned about the covid-19 rules, as wendy told me she had recovered from the virus.

WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?

i’m not sure, although she said i was lovely. i got the impression she is very money orientated. i suspect she felt no spark but, like me, made the best of a bad match.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HER?

the truth is, we are poles apart.

MATTHEW, 54 VITAL STATISTICS SINGLE for seven months, no children. CURRENT ROLE SELF-EMPLOYED, restores homeware. WOULD LIKE TO MEET A GENUINE person who likes country life and the idea of a long-term relationship. My pet hates are tattoos, piercings, nightclubs and gyms. I like cosy pub meals.