Hey guys,

For those of you that saw my introduction post, I mentioned that settling down was becoming very much a real option for me. I guess now I'd better clarify that my situation is one of those that'd be perfect for an “It's Complicated” relationship status on Facebook. Officially, we're not boyfriend and girlfriend yet, despite knowing and liking each other for a couple of years, and with this girl going back home for a month (she's now at Uni in the same city as me) that situation isn't going to change for a little while.

I guess you could call this a free pass, a chance to convince myself that I'm ready to trade in the free-and-single lifestyle for something more settled, or maybe I'll realise I'm not quite ready to take that step. For the record, this is more about enjoying the approach and feeling the thrill of the chase, rather than about getting laid. In this probably short-lived journal I'll keep you updated on how it all goes.

I thought about starting the journal this morning, and keen to get the ball rolling I had my eyes open for opportunities. I went to Sainsbury's in my lunch break, and in the baking supplies aisle I spot a girl, mid-to-late twenties, solid 7. I'm no Jamie Oliver but I'm a decent enough cook, could hold my own if conversation went to food, so I thought I'd go for it, girls are supposed to like a man who can cook etc etc.

I position myself next to her to pick up a bag of flour (which I did need, honest!), make a deliberate glance down at her basket, and ask:

Me: Sooo...are you in training for the Great British Bake Off?
Girl: *Gives me a look of death, grabs her basket, and leaves*

That went well. Maybe she hated that programme, or thought I was implying something about women belonging in the kitchen...but whatever it was she clearly wasn't impressed.

On reflection, I guess I could have opened with a baking-related question, might have made her feel more comfortable, but carrying that into a full-blown conversation could have been tough. I think I just got unlucky.

This was my one and only approach of the day, mainly because I was trying to beast it through a full weekly shop in my half an hour lunch break. Onward and upward from here! To be honest, I've virtually never daygamed, so I'm going to have to get used to some more crashes and burns along the way.

Next planned night out is Saturday for a friend's leaving party, so fingers crossed I'll have an interesting story or two to share from that.