At the end of the date, I had to ask what his name was
ROMKA, 29 VITAL STATISTICS
SINGLE for two years, no children. CURRENT ROLE
SECRETARY. WOULD LIKE TO MEET
THE love of my life, and he definitely won’t be a playboy. He will be honest and loyal, but also funny and spontaneous.
DATING PAST
I’ve had a few serious relationships; I was with my last boyfriend for almost two years. He was older than me and I was madly in love, so when he ended things, it almost broke me. Since then, I’ve picked myself up and I now joke with my girlfriends that I’m a professional dater. I’ve met plenty of potential husband candidates, but no one who gave me butterflies in my tummy.
PRE-DATE NERVES?
A little, but I kept them at bay by being organised. I’m a planner so had already checked out the restaurant.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
I ARRIVED early, so I ordered a gin and tonic at the bar. Ali was introduced to me by the waiter. He is good-looking and was smartly dressed in a pair of black trousers with a denim shirt.
He seemed nervous at first.
EASY TO TALK TO?
ALI had just done a virtual job interview before our date, so we chatted about how he thought it had gone. I think he was stressed so wanted a debrief. I’m a good listener and was happy for him to offload.
I discovered we’re both at the point in our lives where we are serious about meeting our life partner. Ali spent his 20s focused on his career and is now ready to commit. I told him my friends thought I was mad to go on a blind date, which made Ali laugh.
We decided to go for it as far as the menu was concerned. Ali went for prawns followed by pasta with lobster, while I had smoked salmon and steak. We devoured everything just like that moment in eat Pray love when Julia roberts eats an Italian meal on her own and uses her fingers, too.
EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?
Our introduction at the bar happened so quickly that I didn’t catch Ali’s name. So when he suggested we swap numbers at the end of the meal, I had to ask him what his name was. I apologised and, luckily, Ali laughed.
DID SPARKS FLY?
NO. WHEN I saw Ali, I knew instantly the physical attraction wasn’t there, but he is a lovely person.
SEE HIM AGAIN?
YES, as friends. He has already invited me to a party.
WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?
ALI told me I’m a great person and looked lovely, too. even so, I have no idea if he was attracted to me or not.
WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HIM?
YES, my friends would accept him. He’s easy-going and friendly.