It's not me, it's you.

Perhaps it's me being in work mode with my 'Compliance/Risk' hat on but I've been thinking about what happens (or has happened) when things go wrong with dating/relationships.

I've had some amazingly shocking (is that even allowed, grammatically?) experiences of when things go wrong.

I can not even think of how many dates I've been on so perhaps my hit rate of bad ones is 'average' (but really what is average?) but I would probably say I've had more bad than good.

I will start off with my worst date ever! In fact, it was my last date - perhaps I've been scarred for life? Either way, it was with a guy from a new dating app I downloaded (review to follow) called Hinge.

His pictures looked nice and he said he was involved with politics so I thought we'd have common interests to talk about. He even said he was active, which I assumed to be sporty.

Anyway, I met him outside a pub in Soho. We were trying to find each other and I spotted a guy walk past (phone in hand) with red trainers (the bloody sign!!), baggy jeans and some horrifically old leather jacket (can't even be classed as vintage).

When I asked if he was wearing red trainers (via text - still trying to casually locate each other), and he said yes... I don't think he appreciated my joke of saying "See you later" (clearly no humour).

Either way I had committed to it so I went over and said Hello. How can one simple word help you decide that you want to perhaps fake fainting, read the whole of the FCA Handbook (actually I'd probably enjoy that) or even go round to my Mum's for dinner? (don't ask about the rice pudding!)

All I could hear in my head (well above the screaming of "run for the hills") were the lyrics from the Lionel Richie song "Hello". I can categorically state (pinkie promise) that I was not looking for 'A' (yes I'll be kind and not say his name).

So we're now in this busy pub and he buys a drink. I ask for a white wine, he gets me a large glass. God damn it, the one time I actually didn't want a large!!

You're probably wondering what was so wrong with this guy? Let's just say his profile would not have been signed off as a Financial Promotion. It definitely did not follow the 'clear, fair and not misleading' rules.

I know it sounds so superficial (and I guess it is) but I did not find him attractive at all. He looked so different from his pictures. I'm sure they were his pictures, they were just taken about a decade ago. And the leather jacket... really?!?

Usually it's fine if you don't fancy a date. You can still have a pleasant time, a nice conversation and discuss shared interests such as travel but not with 'A'. I usually have no problems talking but I think I've had better conversations with Shiloh.

'A' was just so dull. I don't know whether he was nervous or he genuinely wasn't very interesting but it seemed like it was me asking all the questions or trying to talk.

After struggling to make conversation, I decided to go to the toilet. I took my handbag with me but I left my coat and umbrella at the table. I seriously considered leaving them there and bailing.

I have never consumed a large glass of wine so quickly. I kept looking at my watch and convincingly said that I needed to catch a certain train home. I think I made it pretty clear things were not going well, thankfully it was his turn to pop to the loo.

At this point, I started chatting to the guys at the table next to me. I had a great conversation with them about the rugby. I think I just wanted to check my conversational skills were still working - nailed it!

When my 'date' came back he kindly (arrgggg just let me roam the mean streets of London alone) walked me to the tube station (to catch that 'specific' train). It was at this point that I thanked him for the drink, asked if he was also getting the train (thinking if he is, I'm going in the opposite direction) and before he could finish his sentence, which included 'No, I'm getting a Bus', I had started walking down the stairs to the station.

It was honestly the worst half hour of my life! Yes I managed to neck a large glass of wine, two separate loo breaks and chatting to a bunch of strangers in a 30 minute date - Like a Boss!

The thing that stuck in my mind the most were the red trainers. It all became clear when he explained that his 'political' interests and being 'active' translated into being a 'Labour Activist'.

They always say go with your gut instinct. I should have run when I had the chance.

I think there has been a little theme of meeting guys from these apps and them not looking like their pictures.

I get we always put our 'best' pictures up but to put pictures up that are a few years old and you've since gone grey, gained/lost weight, wrinkles etc in my mind is misleading.

This is all very superficial but you have to be attracted to someone, to want to date them. Obviously the date above has also shown that you need to have the ability to hold a conversation with someone and have shared interests as well. But is it too much to ask for looks and personality?