Welcome to “Date Disasters,” the go-to spot for sharing your most cringe-worthy, awkward, and downright unbelievable stories from the world of dating. Have you ever shown up to a date only to realize you forgot your wallet, or spent the entire evening listening to your date talk about their rock collection? Maybe you encountered a no-show, caught someone lying about their identity, or nearly got caught up in a bizarre misunderstanding. This category is a safe space where we can laugh at our past misfortunes, learn from each other’s mistakes, and hopefully find a silver lining in even the worst first impressions. After all, every disaster is a chance to grow, and maybe, eventually, to meet someone truly special indeed.
So I'll go first.... dating disasters. Honey, there are too many to mention. I fear my dating mishaps would be longer than the English Dictionary, Bible and The Silmarillion combined. The Silmarillion is the full book by J R R Tolkein that includes "The Lord of The Rings" and "The Hobbit" just in case you didn't know.... idiot
When I was dating, "back in my day" (lol I'm 33. - still a young spring chicken) I was so downtrodden and depressed. I remember after a guy stood me up for THE THIRD TIME - quick lesson when someone stands you up once, categorically don't ever go back. It's incredibly rude and indicates that someone has no respect or appreciation of your time. But before I was married I was single and (very...VERY) desperate... so yeah three times I allowed a man to say he was going to meet me and not turn up. I had a complete breakdown. Crying and wailing at the world "Will someone ever love me?!" The next week I met my now husband. It's funny how life works. 27 years single. 27 years feeling that you are unloveable. 27 years questioning what's wrong with you? AND THEN in a chance meeting in Mykonos I met my husband.... the Gay Gods looked down on me well I guess.
I'm saving our story for another day, maybe The Graham Norton Show - you know you've got to aim for the stars. Actually a near dating disaster was when I dated two of Graham Norton's friends back to back without realising any of their connection. Not my classiest moment... But what can I say, the man keeps good company. Also between you and me he's one of my biggest inspirations. Just don't meet one of your heroes and then clock the two guys he's with when you meet him are the people you've been recently 'dating'. Lucklily they were all the perfect gentlemen...
What I'm trying to say... in a very roundabout way... is dating is messy, it's crazy. None of us are perfect. But try and look at the bad messy bits as fuel for some good stories. You can learn so much about yourself and the world by dating. Just try and take it not so seriously. You are beautiful and lovable. Yes, you don't need anyone to tell you. But what I can tell you is true love is not just about falling in love with someone. It's about them allowing you to fully fall in love with yourself.
So please hit me with your dating mishaps, the lessons you've learned - how can we help each other turn these messy, bad experiences into a positive?
Now I must go or I'll probably start talking about aliens,
Owen X