First Date Done!

Apologies WWBD? I have neglected you so. However, I have set aside some time to pay you the attention you so rightly deserve!

Friday night, for once, was date night. I took the plunge and met up with someone I met online. We had been emailing for awhile and his emails were friendly and funny so I decided that what was the point in joining a dating site if I wasn't going to be brave and meet someone.

We arranged to meet at a particular underground station. There was a bit of confusion on my part because this particular underground station has about 6 different exits, but I managed in the end!

Harry Potter (he works in films and has worked on the Harry Potter movies) and I went for a very nice dinner. Conversation started a bit stilted but luckily I love movies so we found plenty to talk about. I felt relaxed and comfortable around him and I was having a good time. After dinner we headed to another place for a drink and then to the underground station where he said he would like to see me again and then we headed our separate ways. I've had a few friendly texts from him since then.

Conclusion? I had a good time and I'm glad I went. He's a nice guy and we got on well. I don't want to make any final decisions based on a first date but in terms of romance? I didn't really get any of those type vibes. However, as Vi said, she felt the same way about John Boy...so if he asks me out again I'll say yes. I'm just glad I got the first date out of the way!

Taking the online plunge

It is a woman's prerogative to change her mind. Which I've done. I was very wary of internet dating. I didn't want to try it and didn't like the idea of filling in little boxes about myself. Then one day I was off sick and bored and I decided to see what dating sites were out there. Just out of curiosity you understand.

While researching I came across a site which instantly appealed to me. It's called My Single Friend and I have linked the site in case you're curious. The difference with this site is that rather than you writing about yourself and making yourself sound fantastic, a friend does it for you. You fill out all the basic information- height, city, employed status, etc. you get a friend to write a description and then you write a response. My type of site.

I mentioned it to Vi who agreed this had potential. And because Vi knows me really well and has a way with words I enlisted her help. She wrote a lovely and witty description and now ladies I am on a dating site.

And it's fun.

There are different things that can be done:

1. I can add guys to my favourites and they can add me to theirs
2. There are 'mutual favourites'
3. I can email guys and they can email me
4. And finally, Vi's favourite- she can recommend guys to me. She is loving the meddling opportunities!

So far I've had about 16 guys add me as their favourites, some have looked promising. Others I've deleted pretty much straight away. It's bringing out my ruthless side. I have 3 mutual favourites and 6 emails. One email consisted of: 'Hey, you've got an interesting profile? where do you work?' Um...no. However, one particular email was really, really good and made me laugh. A lot. I'm trying to formulate a response.

I'm not yet thinking about actually meeting up with someone. I'm taking it in baby steps. But my conclusion so far? Loving it.

Love is just a click away...

Internet dating. I've not tried it and I don't want to. Please don't be offended by this statement.

Let me start by explaining that Violet has informed me of the popularity of internet dating on your side of the pond, and it sounds great. I've loved hearing of Violet's experiences with the whole thing (even if she hasn't loved experiencing some of them) and it has intrigued me.

Here's the problem. I don't live on your side of the pond. I live on Bridget's side of the pond. We're always a few steps behind you with pretty much everything: we get movies two months after you do, they've only just finished showing series two of Brothers & Sisters and I think I can sum it up by saying that cupcakes are the 'new thing'. I despair sometimes. My point is, internet dating hasn't reached the same heights. There are commericals for it on TV, more people are doing it, but that stigma of 'you only do internet dating thing if you're old and desperate' hasn't quite faded yet. Once again, please don't be offended!

For a few months now I've been considering trying it, but I keep putting it off. The first thing was I'd wait until I passed my driving test. Afterall, who wants their dad dropping them off for a date? (I do realise that ideally the guy would pick me up, but just in case.) So I passed my test. Then I'd wait until I moved out. Afterall, who wants their mum peering out the net curtains watching as you say goodbye to your date (yes, we have net curtains.) So I've moved out. Now I'm waiting until I get a place of my own. But I know that once that happens I'll just put it off again and again and again...

The thing is, none of my friends (in the UK) are doing it. And I think this is the type of thing you need your friends to be doing as well so you can compare notes. Once again, I'm making excuses. I came close to starting a profile once but I just didn't know where to start with summing up my personality, hobbies, likes and dislikes in little boxes. I broke out into a cold sweat at the thought of agreeing to meet a guy and waiting in a bar somewhere pretending to text someone while fearing that I was going to be stood up. I had images of meeting a guy who claimed to be 6"2 but typed '6' instead of '5' claiming that his finger slipped. (NB there's nothing wrong with guys who are 5"2, but I'm 5"8.) Needless to say, I didn't get past the registration page.

And so, once again on WWBD?, I'm appealing for your advice and words of wisdom. I'm willing to try it, but maybe I should wait until the new year...