Blind Date
I’m new to dating women but Jo was full of compliments
LUCY, 35
VITAL STATISTICS
SINGLE for 18 months, no children.
CURRENT ROLE PERSONAL trainer.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET
A NATURAL beauty with dark hair. She’d be well-dressed, ambitious and into fitness, but not so strict that she can’t enjoy a night out.
DATING PAST?
When I was younger, I kissed a lot of girls but thought nothing more of it. I dated men, but I’ve come to the conclusion that men don’t know how to treat women.
eighteen months ago, I broke up with my boyfriend of ten years. Since then I’ve had a brief relationship with a woman and I’ve been on a number of dates with women. I now know I’m no longer physically attracted to men.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
I Knew I’d get butterflies, but I’m a different person now and went into the experience being myself. I chose to wear cropped jeans and a sheer top, paired with heels and a clutch bag.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
I was early, so I treated myself to a brandy cocktail. Jo arrived on time — I liked that she didn’t keep me waiting. She was wearing a fitted, flowery dress which suited her, and she has a lovely smile. We complimented one another on our outfits, which broke the ice.
as a trainer, it’s in my Dna to check out people’s physiques, and I could tell Jo works out, which was a plus.
EASY TO TALK TO?
We both follow a mostly plant-based diet, so had a lot to talk about as we studied the menu. as we were on a date, we loosened our principles and, because I’d never had scallops, we shared a plate of them to start — they were delicious.
We talked about our ‘coming out’ stories. Jo knew she was gay from an early age and was happy to share this with her loved ones. She was supportive about me doing this recently, too.
We both love poetry as well, and Jo was impressed that one of my poems was included in a collection this year. Later, I sent her some of my work.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
no, none for me, thankfully.
DID SPARKS FLY?
no. while I did find Jo attractive, she is not for me. I suspect she feels the same. as I’ve only recently entered the world of lesbian dating, I’m still figuring out the type of person I’m attracted to. Jo has invited me to events where I can get to know other women.
SEE HER AGAIN?
As a friend, definitely. We spent three hours together and Jo remarked that we’d have to do it again, but I got the impression it was on a platonic basis.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
Well, she kept telling me how lovely I am, so that’s a positive.
WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HER?
She’D easily fit in with most of them.
LUCY’S VERDICT: 8/10
LIKED? A relaxed evening.
REGRETS? None.
COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee as friends.
Lucy’s pretty . . . I’d definitely set her up with a friend
JO, 40
VITAL STATISTICS RECENTLY single, no children.
CURRENT ROLE MARKETING director.
WOULD LIKE TO MEET SOMEONE fun, flirty and feminine who loves what she does, and isn’t insecure or a smoker.
DATING PAST?
I dated a lot in my 20s and 30s, and I’ve always been in relationships with women. the last time I dated a man was when I was 17. over the last two decades, I have had a series of long-term relationships that have usually lasted more than two years, but I’m not ready for a solid commitment. this is the first time I have been completely unattached since I was 34.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
I had zero nerves. I’ve been on a blind date before and we became friends afterwards. I’ve dated so often that the prospect of meeting someone new is not something I get hung up about.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
even though I was on time, Lucy was already at the restaurant bar with a drink. She is pretty with lovely eyes and a warm smile. We were incredibly complimentary towards one another regarding how we looked.
EASY TO TALK TO?
We Spoke about our love of poetry — one of my favourite writers is the american poet emily Dickinson. I’m hoping to complete a master’s degree in creative writing at some stage in the future, and I was impressed to learn that Lucy has had her poetry published.
We’ve both had interesting love lives. I’ve been out for 22 years so I could explain the nuances of lesbian life, while offering a few pointers on how Lucy can best integrate herself into our community.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
none — the evening flowed well.
DID SPARKS FLY?
no, I Don’t think so, and that’s on both sides. but I want to be friends, and I don’t make empty gestures — I’d love to see her again.
She’s caring and asked for my number to make sure I got home safely. We walked to the tube together and she gave me a hug.
SEE HER AGAIN?
Yes, as friends. I’d like to introduce Lucy to other women. I wasn’t flirting with her — she would definitely have known if I was.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE THOUGHT OF YOU?
Lucy is a genuine person, and I hope she recognised that I am, too.
WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HER?
Definitely. I’m already thinking about which of them I can set Lucy up with. She’s a catch.
JO’S VERDICT: 8/10
LIKED? Lucy’s authenticity.
REGRETS? None.
COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee as friends.