I thought he’d stood me up... but he was drinking at the bar

DATING PAST?

I’ve been married (unsuccessfully) three times. even so, I have three beautiful children and two grandsons. I just end up choosing the wrong guy. I’m that woman who is a magnet for unsuitable men.

PRE-DATE NERVES?

I WAS excited, rather than nervous. my children asked why I was doing this. They always wonder what their festival-loving mum is going to do next. I wore an emerald green dress.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

THERE was confusion at the start of the date. Alex had arrived before me and told the reception to let me know he was at the bar. The message didn’t get relayed so I sat on my own for 20 minutes, while Alex was at the bar enjoying cocktails.

I assumed I’d been stood up but when Alex finally came to our table we went in for a hug and, at Alex’s insistence, a european kiss on each cheek. He was smartly dressed and had brown eyes and a slim build. overall a big tick from me.

EASY TO TALK TO?

AFTER telling Alex about my love of yoga, he told me he was a bit of a thinker. His application form said his pastimes included cosmology, philosophy and learning. I assumed he meant meditation, but no he corrected me: he likes to ‘think’ about things. Does he mean the meaning of life? I’m not sure, but I liked that about him.

EMBARRASSING MOMENTS?

SITTING on my own for 20 minutes can’t be beaten really, can it?

DID SPARKS FLY?

ALEX touched my hand a few times, which was lovely, but I don’t think there was any chemistry. First dates are never ideal situations to get the hang of whether someone likes you or not, are they?

SEE HIM AGAIN?

I’D be happy to see Alex again. He’s a perfect gent and while I don’t think we were attracted to one another, that doesn’t detract from him being a lovely guy.

After our date, he walked me to the car park. but no, we didn’t exchange numbers.

WHAT DO YOU THINK HE THOUGHT OF YOU?

PROBABLY that I was a bit kooky. He took all of my marriages in his stride. I wasn’t drinking because I was driving, so I wasn’t quite my usual bubbly self.

WOULD YOUR FAMILY LIKE HIM?

YES, Alex is a chatty, warm guy, and you feel comfortable in his company.

LUCY’S VERDICT: 8/10

LIKED? Alex really made me laugh.

REGRETS? No.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.