The Italian

Summer for single people is like mating season at the Zoo. And this is especially true in London....Well, actually it's always mating season here, but things get extra loose when the sun is out. More so than when it's chilly, people spend afternoons that turn into nights out in pop-ups, beer gardens, rooftop bars, parks and all manner of outdoor events across the capital.

There is less rushing in the cold air to get to your destination and more hanging around outside for hours checking each other out. Generally everyone is just #GoingOutMoreAndWearingLess.

Plus the buzz of summer plans, holidays and events mean that getting tied down is the last thing on many people's minds. (I found this changed slightly come winter but I especially felt at home here in the summer being a single-pringle) #LondonYouBae

I had swiped right for The Italian because of his eyes. They were so green, and I couldn't quite work out what it was about him in his photos, maybe just the filter? Nonetheless, a few days later, I was stepping off the tube on a deliciously sunny Saturday lunchtime in Bethnal Green to meet him.

It was so hot that day I didn't have to wear much so I was in my element #BornFree. The Italian met me by the exit and he looked exactly like his photos. Tall, dark, good looking, confident and smiley. He worked as an illustrator for a well-known publisher and had lived in East London for 5 years by that point so was way more of a Londoner than I was. #ItWasntHard I love recommendations and as we walked the short distance to London Fields he pointed out cool bars in the area along the way. He was also full of all the chat.

He took me to broadway market. It was awesome, a whole high street covered in stalls of all the best different kinds of food. Like everything you can imagine, plus all the pubs and cafes have tables outside along the street and there is always a performer singing vibey songs along the edges for loose change. I came back here many times after the date it was so good. At the very end of the street there is another market set back from the main one, in this little square they sell THE BEST FOOD. My fave of our choices was a peanut butter chicken satay thing, but when I took the flat brothers back the following weekend they loved the beef rangdang. The guys who run that particular stall had been travelling all over South East Asia and nicked the recipe from things they had eaten on their adventures. Thinking about the pulled chicken always makes my mouth water. - If you check it out go early as by 3.30pm on weekends they always sell out. And you and your hangover will be raging.

We picked up some strawberry ciders off another stall and went across the street to the park in London fields. It's an enormous green space and on sunny weekends will be packed blanket-to-blanket with East London's finest. BBQs are everywhere, in certain places you will smell weed, but keep going until you find a good spot. Big groups of friends camp out for the day with burgers and beers and speakers are set up. Its totally fun and you will love it, so go if you get the chance.

The Italian guided us to clear spot of grass and laid out the blanket. And then he lay down. I wasn't sure what to do. Lie beside him and share our dishes? Or stay sat up and try and keep my knickers out of sight under my skirt? This was easier said than done. And I ended up in a weird position that made my arm go dead after a while.

Chilling in the sun we chatted about London, our jobs and impending holidays (he was going back to his native Sicily for two weeks in a few days) and he was cool. It happened again though. I just didnt get any sparks. He was nice looking but there were no vibes for me. When he finished his food he lay down on his back and suggested I do the same "Enjoy the sun bella"

After a short hesitation I thought - okay fine it's sunny. And that's when it happened. His fingers brushed my bare arm. I remember thinking just keep really still and maybe he will stop. But he didn't and just started getting more and more handsy. After a while I jumped up saying I needed a wee and slipped through the park to the public toilets. They were disgusting, but better than being stroked by a stranger. As I headed back I thought, "I'm sure he wont do it again"

As I sat back down he didn't get up just rolled on his side and looked at me, leant up and asked me to lay down again.

"Relax Bella" he said. I am not sure why? but I did. And then it started again. This time it was tiny pinches all up my arm. It was annoying but it also half tickled! "Stop" I said laughing awkwardly. He leant over me blocking the sun out, I ducked round and sat up again. Started saying stupid stuff like, "Oh, is that the time? - its getting late, I must get back"

It was 3pm. Who goes home at 3pm?

Tinderella, thats who.

As I made to get up again he held my arm. "Dont go bella" he smiled.

"I can't stay I need to get over back and meet my flatmates"

"Mine are having a BBQ. Come" He asked.

"Uh-I can't sorry" and as I stood he quickly grabbed the blanket and followed. I just remember seeing all the hot topless men in the park on the way out thinking. I wonder if they pinch?

The Italian was already talking about when we could meet next as we headed to our separate stations and as I knew he was going away soon, I said something vague about maybe when he got back. We reached the overground, (luckily I was headed for the tube) and as he queued to crossed the road to get to his stop, he asked if he could have a kiss. I pecked him on the cheek and as the light turned green I sang "Bye!" and skipped on, thanking the gods of the traffic lights for little miracles.

When he was safley out of sight I found a hustle free spot to get on google maps. It was only a 50 minute walk from here back to the East Village and I would go through three parks en route to home. Determined to make the most of the lush weather that day I banged my earphones in and set off for Stratford. Italian and agg free. One of the best things about London is that EVERYWHERE you end up in town you will find something new. Sometimes the best way is just by walking around. A date as a tour guide to start you off helps for sure when you dont know the area, but I found some awesome spots along the canal on the way home that I took my favourites back too over the remaining summer.

Lessons learned

1) You can't guarantee chemistry before you meet IRL. And if someone gets too touchy feely to quickly make your excuses and leave.

You dont need to worry about being rude. No matter how anti-confrontation or polite you think you are, its not okay for someone to touch you unless you want them too. Even if its is just weird little pinches.

2) When ever you are in London. Explore. Make a sunny afternoon at London fields with your mates one of your trips. Get the peanut satay chicken as well. Your belly will fall in love.

The Italian texted a few times that afternoon. I sent the pre-saved text.

And when it got too much I hit block.