I'm going on a date tonight, my first proper date since my marriage ended. He seems really nice, funny, interested and interesting, and I'm wishing I'd dieted effectively and hadn't been swayed by the delectable temptations of gulab jamun and jalebi, or even plain old doughnuts.

It's hard to feel confident when your stomach has developed a life of its own and is escaping over the top of your jeans. I just have to remember that not everyone is shallow. Some people are kind and unsuperficial.

Wish me luck!