Nova, try taking the birds on an instant-date when you meet them!

In particular, work on chemistry/tension/sexy while at the coffee shop or pub. This might help make it go further, might help cut down on flakes.

"what are you doing right now?" / her: just shopping / "let's get a coffee, much more exciting than Primark's lurid clothes!"
...then start leading her by the hand out of the crappy shop


P.S. for your delectation and delight, a Rebus joke about instant-dates with Chinese bird:
"what are you doing right now?" / her: shopping / "well, I fancy having a Chinese!"

Rebus