Unfortunately during my 8 years of dating I have been confronted with 4 different uncomfortable encounters, one was with Maya from Ep. 2 - The Hope and one was with James from Ep. 13 - I’ve Changed My Mind. On both of those occasions I was put in uncomfortable and non consensual situations. In this episode I look at 2 stories that draw attention to the safety of women and the instinctual decisions we need to make in the moment when it comes to heterosexual dating.

At the time I was fresh into dating after a long term relationship with a very good man, so perhaps I was quite naive, always thinking I could bring out the best in someone and maybe a little bit vulnerable seeking and enjoying attention and quickly getting consumed in the moment. Fortunately neither of these stories were damaging, but I hope by sharing my experiences it will help others to recognise signs of discomfort, follow their instincts, create boundaries and have the confidence to leave difficult situations.

Tinder launched in 2012, and in the summer of 2013 I remember a friend telling me about this new dating app, and how brilliant it was. I was still a bit of a snob about online dating but eventually I caved and soon got sucked into the world of modern dating.

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/

Key Characters:

Stephen Minder - My first Tinder experience

Sam - A guy I dated

Beth - My best mate

Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years

Heather, Jessica, Adina, Stephanie and Melissa - London friends

Frank - A Tinder match

Isaac - A London friend and the first man I fancied after ending an 11 year relationship

Locations:

Broadway Market

https://broadwaymarket.co.uk/

The Spurstowe Arms

http://www.thespurstowearms.com/

The Cock

https://www.facebook.com/CockTavernBrewPub/

Oslo

http://oslohackney.com/

The Haggerston

https://www.facebook.com/thehaggerston/

Pizza East

http://www.pizzaeast.com/

Entertainment References:

Tinder

https://tinder.com

Peaky Blinders

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peaky_Blinders_(TV_series)

Candy Crush

https://www.king.com/game/candycrush

Ariel Too Big To Fail

https://open.spotify.com/album/5vWp4E5iRzx8VEWmESUvl0

Refuge Charity:

Refuge

https://www.refuge.org.uk/

Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.