Swiping through the dating app, I caught sight of a silver-haired man in a naval uniform. His name was Fred, he was 54, and his profile explained he was a member of the Royal Australian Navy. I was impressed. It was May 2018 and, following a break-up, I was single and ready to meet someone nice. Fred was handsome, and when we got chatting he seemed a true gentleman.
When we met for dinner, he impressed me even more when he told me he was an artist in his spare time. 'I'd love to show you my paintings sometime,' he smiled. He was full of charm, and listened intently when I told him about my job and my kids, now adults.
PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS
Two weeks after our first date, I took Fred up on his invitation to see some of his artwork. Back at his place, hundreds of his paintings and drawings lined the walls, and I was a little taken aback. They were all of naked women, which I hadn't been expecting. They were all beautiful, and so lifelike. So much attention to detail had been put into every inch of exposed flesh. I was surprised to find myself feeling a little jealous, especially when he explained he'd had a lot of women pose for him.
I realised my feelings were irrational though after all, Fred was an artist and that was all these pictures were, pieces of art. I had no reason to feel insecure.
'You're very talented,' I smiled, and I meant it. Before long, Fred and I were in a serious relationship. But my kids weren't exactly taken by him or his art.
'Why can't he paint a fruit bowl? Why does it always need to be naked women?" my eldest daughter Chloe, then 26, scoffed.
I laughed, telling her it was just art. 'He's tried landscapes, but it's not his niche,' I explained.
ROMANTIC BREAK
Denne historien er fra April 15, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 15, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
MAGNIFICENT MAURITIUS
Pe This istand in the ut 7% Indian Ocean feels Sa: like paradise, says Charlotte Richards
I HATE BEING A MUM
One woman, 55, reveals why she resents all of the sacrifices she made to be a mother
SLASH SUGAR AND SLIM
Trying to lose weight? With these clever tweaks, you don’t have to miss out on the seasonal sweet stuff
DAWN HARPER ASK THE DOCTOR
Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
SEX HORRORS SOLVED!
Stop physical intimacy from turning into the stuff of nightmares with our expert advice
THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE WITH CANCER
More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumours each year in the UK. Two mums tell us how the cruel disease changed their lives forever
DAWN NEESOM MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on marriage, tea and Absolutely Fabulous!
TRAPPED INSIDE MY HOME WITH A MONSTER
Gemma Williams, 46, thought she'd die at the hands of her partner
AMANDA TO REPLACE CAT?
With increasing criticism directed at the This Morning host, are producers ready to call in a familiar face?
Get the GOSS
Your round-up of this week's biggest showbiz stories