Dating Past?

I had a couple of mid to long-term relationships in my late teens and 20s, but nothing serious in the past five years. Now I feel more ready to settle down.

Pre-Date Nerves?

No, I’ve been on plenty of first dates. If they don’t go well, you’ve still got a good story to tell.

First Impressions?

Awkward! There were no hellos or hugs when I arrived. It seemed like he didn’t know the etiquette for greeting someone on a date.

 I put it down to his nerves because he didn’t do anything to put me at my ease or get the date started, either. 

Oliver isn’t my type and I can’t say he was good-looking. I prefer bookish, floppy-haired guys like Andrew Garfield.

Easy To Talk To?

Yes, but only because we spoke a lot about Oliver’s job in music management. Most of his stories about artists and bands veered from endless name-dropping to those boring ‘you had to be there’ anecdotes. 

He kept getting out his phone and showing me the Wikipedia pages of random people in the music industry I’d never heard of.

He asked me a few questions about myself, but not many. I didn’t get the impression he was that interested in me.

Embarrassing Moments?

His stories were quite astonishing; some involved his upbringing and how he ended up living in New York in his late teens. I wasn’t sure what to believe.

Did Sparks Fly?

No – very much no. Around 90 per cent of the time, I know straight away if I am physically attracted to someone and that wasn’t the case with Oliver. It was an entertaining two hours and I’ve got a good story out of it, but that’s as far as it goes.

See him again?

No, we left the restaurant and went our separate ways without a hug goodbye.

What do you think he thought of you?

I wouldn’t be surprised if he said I was quiet because he spoke so much. He asked if I had a big secret or crazy story to share and his face dropped when I said no.

Would your friends like him?

No. His endless chatter about his job is fascinating for Oliver but it isn’t relatable for my friends.

Dating Past?

Women come second to music, I’m afraid. I managed a rock band throughout my 20s. It was a dream come true so I gave it 100 per cent. But I did find time for a three-year relationship in 2015 when I first moved to London.

Pre-Date Nerves?

No, if it doesn’t work out it’s not the end of the world. You just move on. If I like her she’ll know; I once travelled to Colombia for a woman.

First Impressions?

Good! Ilana (I only found out her name after the date – not a good move on my part) is an attractive brunette with a good figure. We didn’t shake hands or kiss, it was more of a formal hello.

Easy To Talk To?

I enjoyed talking to Ilana about music and liked that she’s into her career, too. Her company is behind the big billboards on the major routes in and out of London.

I asked her if she’d like to be CEO one day and knew she’d say yes. That drive is an attractive quality in a woman.

We touched on the fact I was born in Marbella. That led to talk of travel, which Ilana loves to do. She was recently in Italy for a holiday while I was in Nice for work.

Embarrassing Moments?

She did mention blind dates are notorious for going horribly wrong. I hope she wasn’t referring to ours.

Did Sparks Fly?

I don’t know if Ilana found me attractive, but I thought she was. I didn’t flirt though, as she’s quite a strong woman. I couldn’t even pluck up the courage to ask for her name, let alone her number.

See her again?

I would like to. After our date, she had a friend’s birthday to go to so I walked her to the station, where we said goodbye. But I didn’t get an invite to her friend’s do.

What do you think she thought of you?

That I’m music mad?

Would your friends like her?

Yes, she’s a friendly, polite, good-looking woman you can take anywhere. She’s happy to camp at Glastonbury – what more can a man ask for?

LIKED? The food.

REGRETS? The date was a waste of a nice outfit.

COFFEE OR CAB? Cab.

LIKED? Ilana enjoys talking about music.

REGRETS? Not getting her name and number.

COFFEE OR CAB? Coffee.