‘He was disappointed I didn’t look more Swift’ like Taylor

DATING PAST?

I was engaged to my partner of nine years, but we decided it wasn’t what we wanted. I dated someone briefly last year, but there hasn’t been anyone serious. Instead, I’ve focused on boosting my self-esteem and deciding what I want out of life.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

The prospect of my first blind date was so nerve-wracking I took the previous day off work to prepare for it.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

I was ten minutes early, so ordered a glass of wine. as I waited at the bar, I was told Jonathan was at our table. he seemed surprised I’d ordered a drink so I ended up apologising.

he was wearing a grey suit and I had on black leather trousers with pink heels, a white blouse and a black blazer. I’d made an effort, but I didn’t receive a compliment.

EASY TO TALK TO?

JonaThan got himself a beer while we looked at the menu. I suggested a bottle of rosé, but Jonathan doesn’t like it. how can anyone not like rosé? so we went for chenin blanc.

Jonathan said he was hungry so we both ordered fish and chips with mushy peas. The servings were so big that he ended up finishing off some of my fish. I cancelled my dessert, but Jonathan found room for his chocolate bombe. It did make me smile because he’d said he wanted to meet a healthy eater, and yet he’d just polished off a huge meal.

I can see why Jonathan is single — he puts everything into his work. I talked about my half-Bengal cat, Dottie, and the two horses my family owns called alphie and nancy. I adore them.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

we chaTTeD about our celebrity crushes. his is Taylor swift and he was disappointed I looked nothing like her. I’d said Piers Morgan. Jonathan told me I’d clearly got the better deal.

DID SPARKS FLY?

no — sorry Jonathan.

SEE HIM AGAIN?

he showeD little interest in my life, work or my animals. although he did follow me on Instagram. Maybe we’d meet again, as friends .

WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?

he saID I was a lovely person, but I think he’d agree there wasn’t any chemistry between us.

WOULD YOUR FRIENDS LIKE HIM?

If I lIkeD Jonathan enough to introduce him to my circle, I know they’d welcome him.