Date 5

 Before I start this story, I’d like to start with a small disclaimer. I never thought I’d be the kind of girl to serial date different men at once, but after a chat with my friend and fellow dater, we reached the conclusion that if you don’t sleep with them, or become exclusive - dating different men at one time is acceptable.

At the point of my 5th date, a Bumble match I had rescheduled countless times, I had also dated Mr Teacher once more, a cuppa and Greggs catch up after work. I’d say who said romance was dead, but this was one of the sweetest gestures I’ve ever had. Kudos to him. 

Date 5 with Mr Bumble was an awkward once. His messages said the right things, but I had had my doubts. I agreed to meet him in Newcastle at 5:30pm and head to a few cool bars, previously spending the afternoon in Newcastle with my twin sister. As I walked to meet him by the Metro station, I already sensed his cool aura, and was pleasantly surprised by his good looks and carefully planned outfit. A little older than me, 34, I had my doubts as to what to expect - super serious or simply a good laugh, I couldn’t fathom. Already dating an older man, Mr Teacher was 35, I sensed the older, the more experience; in the bedroom, with dating and generally the knowledge on how to treat women. However, the story I am about to tell proves this theory wrong.

The first bar we headed to was Alvinos, a bar dates will often take me to; I’m guessing due to its ‘quirky’ and ‘cool’ vibe, with different floors and a roof terrace. At this point I probably couldn’t tell you much about this bar, because every time I tend to visit, I am a little (*read, alot*) tipsy. 

I ordered an Aperol Spritz, him a beer; him tapping his card before I had the chance to offer. We headed to the roof terrace and chatted, getting colder and colder as we did. It was 37 minutes into the date and he leaned across the table and kissed me. To say I was mortified was an UNDERSTATEMENT. Now, I’m not shy, and I’m all for an end of the date kiss to assess the chemistry. However .. at 37 minutes in, and in broad daylight; let me tell you, this was NOT A VIBE. 

This should have been a red flag, however being naive and new to the game, I agreed to head to another bar… We then spent the best part of the evening in Hibou Blanc, a bar I wanted to try for ages and it did not disappoint. It felt exclusive, with the noticeable lack of drunken Geordies we settled by the piano with probably far too many cocktails.

At this point, I had probably had too many cocktails, not enough food, and most likely should have headed home…However, that did not happen. 

He spent the remainder of the date obsessed with kissing me, touching my arse (I suppose wearing leather pants has that appeal) and questioning if I was coming back to his for a takeaway. Now, it’s worth repeating that I am not a shag on a first date kind of girl, and had repeated this to him as he touched me and suggested that this would be on the table.

A slightly drunken Steph then agreed to a taxi, takeaway and night on the sofa at Mr Bumble’s not so humble abode. The sofa was dreamy, his house was tastefully decorated and it’s always interesting so assess someone in their own environment.

As we had a small cuddle on the sofa, he asked me once more if I’d like to share his bed, for spooning and that’s it. I declined the offer, there was no takeaway ordered, so I settled to sleep on his delightfully comfortable sofa.

The following morning he dropped me back at home (not my actual home, the top of the street was sufficient - did not want the creep knowing where I lived)  as I needed to finish lots of cakes before my 10am delivery. Attempting this with a hangover is TOUGH. +10 to him because it was early and a LONG drive. Unfortunately, I declined the offer to see him again due to the fact he pressured me into something I made clear I wasn’t going to do, but would be intrigued to meet him sober. He then messaged a few days back offering a Friend’s With Benefits situation, to which I politely said “F you!”