AmanteDItalia (47) from Hertfordshire

I am a lively and energetic 24 year-old, trapped in the body of a 44 year old, divorced Mother of three teenagers. Quite how this came to pass is unclear, but I suspect it was something I ate…wedding cake maybe.

I don’t work, which is a bit of a result, so have plenty of time to pursue more interesting activities, such as studying astrobiology, hot air ballooning, pole-vaulting and constructing fully-jointed models of world leaders from crisp packets. I don’t actually DO any of these things of course.

I do study, and teach, Italian and read avidly (and other books by the same author). I can frequently be found failing miserably at online quizzes and at point-and-click adventure games (despite using all the hints). I cheat at Monopoly, but only when my opponent leaves the room…you have been warned! I recently went to a Salsa dancing class and may well return, if and when the embarrassment subsides. I don’t go to the gym as I find daily life is exercise enough to keep me in shape. I sometimes wonder whether we could somehow harness all the energy expended in these places and put it to good use. A human donkey wheel!

I am researching my family tree at present and have the anorak to prove it. The 'buzz' when you find a new Great Great Granny is hard to beat (and one you may well experience for yourself if you arrange to meet me...ho ho)

I watch films, especially thrillers, but find most cinemas horrific places to be. Devoid of bodily functions myself, I take no pleasure in sharing those of other people, particularly those belonging to what I believe is referred to as 'The General Public'...shudder! I also confess to enjoying the odd bit of trash TV, though I try not to get hooked on anything. Most of all I like good conversation with friends and white wine. I am a Loire Valley girl at heart, but I’m on a quest to move onto an Italian variety, which I hope justifies my excessive practise.

My kids spend alternate weeks with me and I usually spend my free week in Calabria, which I adore for its weather, scenery and people.

I like to think I am bubbly, enthusiastic, intelligent and witty as well as drop-dead gorgeous. I also like to think I’m Angelina Jolie, but maybe you don’t need to know about that.

I am a supportive friend who is always ready to help out. My motto is ‘Do as you would be done by’, as experience has taught me how very true this is.

I love going out and meeting new people, but this is proving difficult on my own.
I’ve recently moved house and most of all would like to make friends, of either variety, in the area. Being single, if Mr Right came along, I wouldn’t complain, as long as he passed the stringent interview criteria. (Let's be honest, I’d probably settle for Mr Not-Quite-but-Nearly, if his name was Piers Morgan.)

As far as making friends is concerned, I don’t have many criteria. It takes all sorts to make the world go round and we’ll either hit it off or not. If you feel we have something in common, if you can devour a bag of crisps noiselessly and, above all, if you reckon you could put up with me, drop me a PM and let’s take it from there!

I suppose I should be a little more specific when it comes to Mr NQbN, however.

Well, firstly he should be witty and intelligent. (Minimum requirements, English and Maths ‘O’ Level or equivalent – GCSEs even better, lol. PhD in ‘Spelling and Punctuation’ preferred, though the odd tpyo is forgivable.) He needs to be reasonably attractive and must be clean with nice teeth and have good table manners...It is SO rude to fart before the hostess (does). Well-spoken and articulate too (regional acents accepted within reason...OOOH, so sue me!)and solvent. In fact stinking rich, why not! Age is just a number, but I’d prefer to meet somebody at a similar stage in life to me, who knows what it feels like when a marriage/LTR ends and will understand that my kids are the centre of my world.

Text and pictures © AmanteDItalia 2008 (now that's pretty cool, huh!)