Dating Diary: A Man's Unusual Fetish for Ears Revealed on Second Date
Welcome to How I Do It, the series offering a seven-day glimpse into the intimate life of a stranger. This week, we feature Joelle*, a 33-year-old copywriter based in Liverpool. Straight and single for four years, Joelle is eager to find a meaningful connection. 'I would love to meet someone special,' she tells Metro. 'I feel like I’ve been in the single trenches for a while now, and as cringe as it sounds, I’m ready to find "my person."' She views sex as one of life's joys, emphasizing that it should be fun, exciting, and ideally with someone she cares about deeply.
A Week of Emotional Ups and Downs
Joelle's week begins on a low note after a man she liked revealed he wasn't seeking a relationship, leaving her heartbroken. To cope, she throws herself into work and redownloads dating apps, despite her disdain for them. She matches with several attractive men, boosting her confidence. By Wednesday, she connects with Louis*, a 40-year-old French art teacher, and arranges a date for Thursday.
Their first meeting at a pub in the Albert Docks starts awkwardly but quickly improves with wine and conversation. The chemistry is palpable, leading to a passionate kiss at her bus stop. Joelle declines his invitation to go home, adhering to her rule of not sleeping with someone on the first date, but eagerly anticipates a second meeting.
The Second Date and a Surprising Discovery
On Saturday, Louis texts to arrange a second date at a pub near his home. Joelle prepares meticulously, getting a last-minute wax appointment. The date proceeds smoothly, with both aware of its likely outcome. Back at his flat, after cocktails and kissing, they have sex. During the encounter, Joelle notices Louis gripping her ears instead of her hair, causing confusion.
Post-coital, she asks if he prefers boobs or bums, to which he nervously admits, 'I’ve got a real thing for ears.' Joelle reflects that this fetish is relatively tame compared to others, and she's open to exploring it if their relationship progresses. Later, she finds herself browsing ear piercings on Pinterest, considering ways to enhance her appearance for him.
Reflections on Modern Dating
Throughout the week, Joelle navigates the complexities of modern dating, from app fatigue to unexpected fetishes. Her journey highlights the emotional resilience required in the search for love, as well as the humorous and sometimes bizarre moments that arise. She remains optimistic about finding a partner who appreciates her for who she is, ears and all.
