The Perfect Gentleman Issue 8 - Halloween | Page 15

When you actually go out on dates , you get brave and it does trigger excitement , nerves and often apprehension , sometimes even self doubt , so image how I felt when I was ditched at the last minute . It certainly should not be me calling to firm up the arrangements only to be told it ' s not going to work , for whatever reason . I am an old fashioned gal and as we know manners cost nothing . Its rather poor show to arrange something and it be undone in the last minute by your “ potential " I would expect a call , apologising and a date to reschedule rather than the other way around . This was just left me feeling whole disappointed and indeed hardly a priority .
On another occasion , it was arranged a " potential ” and I go out to Dinner , he made a big thing about going out on the Friday night as I was busy the rest of the weekend . I am very organised and know when I have made an arrangement with someone , its in the diary and naturally my thoughts , so I arrived at his place , as agreed , only to be greeted with , oh no I thought we said Saturday , to say I wanted a hole in the earth to just swallow me up is an understatement .
We salvaged the evening by not going out , delivery food and a movie , as I simply didn ’ t wish to try and be sociable in public . I felt horrible , and I was able to say that , unlike the way I communicated in my previous relationship . I felt proud I was honest , it gave me the chance to say what was important to me and explore whether this person was really my cup of tea whilst not on ceremony in a restaurant but relaxed at home .
Be sure to communicate clearly , it ' s wise to take the time to think about the things that are really important to you . I don ’ t know that we value our single time enough , as society dictates we should be married or in a couple to be accepted , when actually this period of discovery we have when we are on our own is to be treasured .
It is said when we aren ’ t looking , love finds us , so maybe we should stop looking … and be happy with you , just the way you are ...

Top Tips to avoid nightmares

1 - Always listen to the person , especially their preferences . For example don ’ t take a vegetarian to a meat only restaurant .
2 - Avoid dwelling on a past relationship .
3 - Steer clear of really busy venues which means you can ’ t hear each other .
4 - Dress up and make the effort for your date ’ ee .
5 - Don ’ t drink too much !

Romantic Gentleman 15