What I learnt by dating ‘up’: and why I won’t ever, ever do it again

It’s good to respect your partner. But don’t date someone who won’t respect you

I’ve just turned 28 and I’m still learning life lessons, even today, even this week, even this month. Before, I’d have been really embarrassed to talk about what I had got wrong, what I had failed at, and what my insecurities were, but now I am coming to understand that anyone who doesn’t believe all humans are flawed, riddled with disappointments, and inclined to do stupid and ridiculous things, is very, very naïve. And I’m still naïve: but I am learning.

Not doing this, again

I, ladies and gentlemen, am not a duchess, or a princess. I’m not a top CEO, I have never won an Oscar, and I’m about as likely to win the Olympics as ‘Crack’ Barry from Swindon. I’m not especially beautiful and I’m not especially intelligent. I’m just Madelaine, or Maddie, depending on how well you know me. I’m frivolous, I’m a daydreamer, I’m sensitive, I like drawing and writing stories, and I’m never happier than…