Polly and her Dollies continue to improve in every way

[StuckInPollyannaMode]

Can’t believe it, but here we are on Thread 5!

Thread 4 here

Just back from a 4.5 mile run - bit cold this morning! I’ve sea monkeys growing in the kitchen, soaps hardening in the bathroom, and the carpets are full of glitter. They had a great weekend!

The thumb also seems to be improving. Phew.

All on today to prep for tomorrow’s meeting with Geller. He really does seem broken. But I will not waiver.

Hope everyone had a good weekend and all health ailments are on the mend. Time to slap on some moisturiser - caught the sun this weekend - but look much better for it!

Woohoo Polly! You’re off to a flying start!

Long term lurker here - you're like a different woman! You're doing amazingly!

Is it wrong that I’m actually totally jealous of the sex not had any since before Christmas

I haven’t had any yet @DartmoorDoughnut!!

Trying not to get my hopes up that I will really enjoy Thursday night. Chats are going well and he’s being very respectful of my boundaries. He’s also taking me to a pub I’ve wanted to go to for years, but guess who wouldn’t go? He asked me to choose so I was comfortable with it, and then booked it. That’s not happened in YEARS. I guess part of this might be post lockdown giddiness. Just to reassure you all I’m not planning on leaping into bed with him straight after a drink - and I promise I will report back.

I’ve got my jab on Friday too! Plus I just changed my name and hid my status on Arsebook...without warning Geller. Put that in your pipe, Matey.

Yaaay!! Go @StuckInPollyannaMode

Yay, one in the teeth for G !!!

Polly I just love reading your updates, it is so wonderful to see you emerge from the misery that was your marriage. You are like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon.

@StuckInPollyannaMode

I haven’t had any yet *@DartmoorDoughnut*!!

Trying not to get my hopes up that I will really enjoy Thursday night. Chats are going well and he’s being very respectful of my boundaries. He’s also taking me to a pub I’ve wanted to go to for years, but guess who wouldn’t go? He asked me to choose so I was comfortable with it, and then booked it. That’s not happened in YEARS. I guess part of this might be post lockdown giddiness. Just to reassure you all I’m not planning on leaping into bed with him straight after a drink - and I promise I will report back.

I’ve got my jab on Friday too! Plus I just changed my name and hid my status on Arsebook...without warning Geller. Put that in your pipe, Matey.

Wooo go you!!!

🤗🤗

The nerves have hit.

Advice gratefully received. It’s the initial ten minutes that are always awkward, right? Whilst you’re trying to find each other and say hi and order a drink etc. After that it’ll be ok.

What if he’s a lunatic? What if he has the feels and I don’t? What if I do and he doesn’t? What if we both do - do I suggest brunch next week?

What the fuck to wear? It’s snowed and hailed today.

In these weird Covid times, if we both like each other do we kiss on the cheek at the end of the night? Exchange an elbow shake?! Perhaps he bows and I curtsey?

@LadyDanburysHat brilliant user name! And thank you.

A big thank you to everyone who is cheering me on - it does help, more than you will ever know.

I am no use on the dating front, but I definitely vote for an elbow tap, just for the imagery when you report back

I’d say initially small talk is fine - talking about how your day has been, that you’ve wanted to go to that bar/restaurant for a while, has he gone there before etc is good then hopefully that should lead into some free flowing conversations!

I’d say don’t be afraid to just cut it short if you feel he is awful, you can always just leave after one drink. Don’t feel under obligation to stay if alarm bells are going off and you don’t feel comfortable. You could always pop to the loo to check in with your friends and you can always come back and say you’ve had a message about one of the kids and you need to go if you really don’t like him!

I guess in terms of hugs/kiss etc it depends how comfortable you both feel, but I wouldn’t worry too much if that doesn’t happen as he may be wary due to Covid.

I hope he is great and you have a really lovely time 😊 try not to be too nervous! He is probably feeling the same way!

The first 10 mins are always awkward, make small talk, grab a drink, sit at tsble, take off coat and by then you'll be fine.

Are you meeting in the car park or in the pub?
Clarify this if you haven't otherwise you might be in the car park and him in the pub😱

If he's a lunatic you're in a public space abd can make your excuses and leave.
Most lunatics dont show that behaviour until later on....

You don't discuss feelings on the date, its usually done by message afterwards. If one of you doesn't like the other then thats life and as you're adults you thank him for a nice drink/meal and wish him well.
If you both like each other brunch sounds good.

The outfit you mentioned the other day sounded good.
Have you checked what the pub has for Covid times? Open air or gazebos or wooden buildings open on more than 2 sides? If not get on their Facebook and have a look.

I think a bow and a curtsey would be great but in reality a peck on the cheek is fine.
If he is worried about Covid then do the elbow touch.

Are you all primped and preened? Even if you're not planning on sex its good to feel amazing or.....what if you're so horny you want sex with him?
If that might happen please take a condom or 5 just in case [sorry to act like a mum].
And if you're going back to his or him to yours you need a friend on standby who you can give the address to/let them know you're taking him back and to do hourly check ins.

You also need a friend to tell about where you're going anyway and what time etc.
Then a 2 hrly check in would be fine if you're in public and a text when you leave the pub and one when you arrive home.

I might be back with more...

I think @Welshgal85 has the right idea. It's 30 years since I last dated but that's the sort of thing I would do. Also let a friend know where you are and who with.

Longtime lurker and internet dating veteran (think 100+ first dates ) here. I’m painfully shy but used to treat first dates a bit like work. Almost think about it as though I was meeting a new client, where I’d have no choice but to be chatty, warm, breezy until I’d chilled out a bit. As lots of questions etc. You’ll be fine, enjoy!

We’ve just been chatting for an hour 😁

Bikini line is done, I’ve done my pedicure, outfit is planned and I’ll basically end up looking like the Michelin man due to layers! Yes I will be shaving my legs in the morning but not because I’m planning on putting out but because it makes me feel good.

I’ve actually already told him I used to be an adherent of the 3 date rule and he’s said he prefers a real connection before anything happens so let’s see.

Yes, local friends primed and 3 know where I am and what his name is. I am categorically not staying at his nor is he coming here but if I was then condoms were put in the Ocado shop 😉

We’ve laughed about how we’ll recognise each other with masks on. We’re definitely meeting in the pub and he’s said he’ll make sure he’s there on time so he can keep an eye out as his sister hates walking into pubs and waiting (in the garden obvs)

Off to study the pub fb page - great tip, thanks - and decide what I want to eat off the menu if we get that far.

Feeling much less nervous now thank god. We made each other laugh several times so that’s a good sign, right?

Today is the day. Good luck. Relax, be yourself and enjoy x

If conversation flows on the phone, and you can laugh, that's a good sign. You'll be fine! Am slightly over invested, and want to hear all about it

I’m cheering you on all the way @StuckInPollyannaMode. I’m about 3 dates ahead of you, and it’s a marvellous feeling if indeed you do click!

Have never in my life dated wearing soooooo many clothes, that’s for sure. Would recommend M&S or Uniqlo thin thermals.

We didn’t kiss on our first date (lunchtime picnic) but hugged on our second, and decided to test ourselves regularly and snogged like teens on our third date. We’ve both been jabbed once. It’s a tricky line to tread in these COVID times...

Have a lovely date and bask in all the attention you’re going to get.

Good luck tonight @StuckInPollyannaMode!
I hope you get some decent weather

A very close friend of mine is having a new patio done this summer. We have each compiled a Hit List, and by our reckoning, there are two spaces left!
Polly, I''ve taken the executive decision, and reserved a place for you should you decide that you need it. Any other names, on a postcard please ..... First come, etc. All FOC, obviously. Any alibi can be provided upon request.
You keep your chin up Polly! AND your elbows out!

www.mumsnet.com/emo/te/2.gif.pagespeed.ce.pqlGYGVWqX.gif

Bugger. That was meant to be a big grin. Sorry!

OH! LOL! Don't forget to vote .....

I thought that might be a map Bob

And MN have blatantly lied to me, it says that links are converted automatically. I had to revert to text speak. May any saints preserve us. Except me, obviously. I do not want preserving. My mum used to do preserves. We all needed to be preserved from that, I promise you. I digress. xx