Esk the worst first date I had was great at banter, friend of someone I knew, I had high hopes....then he spent the evening with one eye on the footy in the pub and had nothing to say. Whereas the one I have started seeing was quiet and shy initially and I actually binned him off as boring, but decided to give it another go as we have lots in common and once he was comfortable around me, he was suddenly funny and complimentary, a running buddy and a good listener, so you never can tell :) (and the MB is a bit tantric and slightly addictive!)
Loco don't be hard on yourself, there could be all sorts of reasons it didn't work out, hope you are ok x
Love sounds great that he is keeping in touch even when busy, am guessing he is keen :)
Pud Mr Italian sounds lovely, shame he isn't around much, sounds like it will be fun when he is around though!
I'm hoping most people are out on fun dates not tucked up in bed before their kids like me, but am secretly loving it after a mad week!