Dating

Over the last couple of months I've been experimenting with dating. For ages I've resisted this, not because I didn't want to but because it's quite daunting. I've always made excuses - "I don't know how long I'll be here for", "I'm too busy at the moment" etc. We've all done it. However, on a Friday night there's a group of us that go out for dinner. We're all in similar positions and as we've talked, I've realised that the idea was less of an impossible thing.

It's been great fun. I get to dress up, sparkle and meet new people. I go out with chaps who aren't my lovely drinking boys and therefore enjoy a different dynamic. It also provides me with something that's not work or college - creating greater balance. (At last!!!!!).

Yesterday was no exception. I sat in Covent Garden with a nice chap enjoying a glass of wine and the sunshine. The conversation sparkled and we both enjoyed ourselves. Then it went a bit wrong. He asked me if I wanted to go to Madrid with him next weekend. I laughed him off politely and had another sip of wine. "Why not?" he asked. "Because I don't know you. This is a first date. I'm sorry but no". He sulked a little bit and then rallied. We enjoyed the rest of the evening and said goodnight however, I don't think there'll be another.

I was talking with DQ about this. Dating is a bit like shopping in Sainsbury (or Waitrose if you prefer). You have a list in mind of what you want but then something catches your eye and you try something new. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't but if it doesn't work, there'll be something else to tempt you. Sometimes it's a bit hopeless but then you just buy a bottle of wine, some chocolates and sit in a girlfriend's kitchen swapping stories.

Not only has this experience provided me with some much needed fun with chaps but it's also enhanced my relationships with my friends. If nothing else we now have a new topic of conversation over dinner on a Friday. It sure as hell beats talking about how crap work is.

x