Let my soulmate find me. And focus on having a great life on my own in the meantime.

I fnally came to a decision and decided to end it with Mr W – not really sure what I mean by that because “it” was only three evenings together, but I didn’t see it getting any more serious and while I liked him, the prospect of further meetings didn’t thrill me.

I’m going to have a period of taking stock now and not rush into anything. I feel quite liberated, which must be a sign that it was the right decision.

_{thanks Silvie}

is living up to his name – 2 long emails today! Must put my brain in later and settle down to answer them. Tres highbrow.

Second date last night, or rather first date with second bloke. Again, I could tell within about 2 minutes that he wasn’t right for me. We did go for an excellent pizza at a place near Queen Square, which is a good find, so it wasn’t a complete waste of time!

I’d better go and write that email now :(

It was with some trepidation that I walked into the pub this evening (one which I’ve never been to before) but Mr F was there already and nicely positioned to catch my eye, and got a pint in straight away so that was a good start. However… he’s not the one. I don’t want to go into huge detail here about why not (it wasn’t his looks – he looked a lot better in real life than he did in his photo!) but I could tell after about 30 seconds. Maybe there is something to be said for speed dating after all…

Weirdly enough I felt quite calm once we were sitting down, whereas he seemed to be nervous. We had 2 pints and then went for fish and chips, and finally another one for the road. He said “see you again” or words to that effect when we said goodbye but I’m just going to have to be cold and brutal tomorrow and suppress the urge to say too many nice things in case it gives mixed messages.

It was certainly an interesting evening and I did enjoy it – I could have got out of there after the 2 pints but I felt happy to keep going for the whole evening. I feel pleased that I did it, and more relaxed about the other ones now. Generally, not being desperate feels very good as it means I can be in control and only need to see someone a second time if I really think we are on the same wavelength. This is the new, improved fearless leopard (now with enhanced self-esteem!) who isn’t going to settle for just anyone who happens to come along ;)

for anyone still interested ;)

This week is the big week! Over the course of the next few days I’m meeting three eligible chaps. One on Friday, one on Saturday and one next Wednesday. I feel slightly bad that it’s worked out like this – I’d have preferred to arrange to meet one, see how it went, then if necessary arrange to meet another, etc. but this is how it has turned out. G says one of them will be a no-show, but I reckon they will all turn up as they all seem very gentlemanly. I’m meeting the first two in pubs, and the third possibly in a wine bar. So at least I’m getting out there. It could be amusing, and who knows!

I also have a slight dilemma. While I was away at the weekend, a girl emailed me at some length and she seems to be intelligent and said nice things, but she’s just not my type. The question is whether I should reply and say you seem really nice but… or just not reply. I suspect if I was advising someone else in this situation I’d say don’t reply, but it feels awfully rude when somebody has gone to so much trouble to write a long email.

On the other hand, internet dating etiquette (once a sociologist always a sociologist) appears to be that your first contact with someone should be short, which would make it easier not to respond if one doesn’t want to. It’s the fact that she’s written such a long message that makes me feel a response is required. What to do. Argh! Any advice welcomed.

with the internet dating and I have 10 “fans” and 3 meetings lined up / about to be lined up… wish me luck!

My excellent friend Mr Jones told me it would be like this, but I didn’t really believe him. I’m glad we didn’t sign up at the same time actually as then it would have felt like a competition. I’m just so relieved that anyone out there is interested, after nearly 2 years of nothing. And all 3 chaps sound very nice and promising, but I feel quite relaxed about it, so if none of them is second date material, then I’ll just keep going.

so far so good with the internet dating – 5 “fans”, 2 of whom have emailed me, one of whom seems dodgy and one seems nice. I’ve decided to be proactive and add some others to my favourites, so we’ll see if any of them reciprocates… In the meantime I’ve been improving my profile, and decided to be completely honest and go for it, so have ticked the women box as well as the men box (eek!) I have no experience in that department but it could be interesting! ;)

Internet Dating!!!! Arrrgh!!! Eeeek!!!!

I was going to start on Saturday, but last night I thought sod it, let’s get on with it, so I have signed up and my profile can be found here. There is a photo of me so don’t say you weren’t warned – although G and C both say it is a nice one, as opposed to the usual martini-cheeks number ;)

Any comments/thoughts appreciated…

_{4 fans already! Woohoo!}