The Honesty Box - Q&A with Ricci

Ricci
26
Fitness coach from Milton Keynes
 

What’s single life been like?
Single life for me has been good. I’ve done a lot of travelling, I’ve seen a lot the world and had a lot of fun.

What do potential dates make of you on first impression?
Probably that I’m a bit of a player. I probably have that aesthetic – gym, muscles, tattoos, skin fade. Stereotypical. But there is a lot more than first impressions. Maybe a couple of years ago, they’d be right. I feel like I’ve matured past that stage. I’m nearly 27 for god sake.

You’ve hung up your boots?
I’m just so free at the minute and I’ve just focussed on myself. I have been pushing away more serious things in terms of relationships. I am not a player, but I’ve not settled down yet. I’ve not found the right person that has taken me by the scruff of the neck and made me behave myself. I’m more than open to the idea of having a relationship. Having kids, getting married, all that kind of stuff. It’s just not happened for me yet.

Do you like being in a relationship?
I do really like being in a relationship. It really takes a lot for me to like someone. I’m just waiting for the right time. I think if you’re really looking for something, you’re not going to find it. You have to just let life run its natural course and things come naturally. That’s pretty much what I’ve been running by my whole life and let whatever happens to me happen to me.

What does love mean to you?
Love to me is unconditional. It’s about being honest, loyal, being there for each other and each other’s best friends. I have felt it a couple of times in life, but I don’t know where it’s gone wrong. Maybe I’m the problem.

What are you like as a boyfriend?
As a boyfriend, I pay attention to small details, so I do little things to make sure she’s always feeling good and to put a smile on her face. I’m extremely loyal. When I’m with someone, I’m with them for a reason. In my last relationship, once I was locked in and there was no one else I wanted to get to know, I didn’t even really find other girls attractive.

What are you looking for in a relationship?
Someone who’s definitely loyal and open and upfront. Someone who can call me out on my shit if I’m acting out for whatever reason. Someone who’s very family orientated and is just like my best mate. I want to laugh with someone. I want to experience life with someone. It’s hard to think about what I want because I’ve not found it yet. One day it’s just gonna happen and it will all make sense.

What’s the top thing you’re looking for in a match.
Number one has to be laughter. Laughter is medicine for me.

You mention family – is that an important factor for you?
Family is massive to me. I have a big family. I could have the fittest girl in the world in front of me, but if she’s not going to get on well with my mum, I’d have to think about things.

Would you say you’re now looking to meet The One?
I have been in many situationships. In the last year because I’ve been so focussed on myself, I have shut down potential girlfriends. My last couple of years have focussed in on travelling and being free, so I’d have to find someone who’s really open-minded and spontaneous. I want someone to like the same things as me. The next relationship really has to be The One. I’m done with situationships.

Do you have any dating red flags?
My red flags are someone who’s dramatic or drama causing. I want someone who is relaxed and that wants to enjoy life.

How do you feel about stepping on toes coming in Truetopia?
Going in there, I don’t owe anyone anything. If I get on with someone, then we can have that conversation. I am in it for myself.

What are you hoping to get out of this experience?
My ultimate goal is leaving Truetopia with someone who I can get to know outside. Fingers crossed there’s someone in there that’s my sort of vibe and likes the exact same sort of stuff as me.

Do you have a usual type?
I would say I don’t have a physical type, but if you ask my mum and my sisters, they would say I like blondes. I like blondes, brunettes and ginger girls. I feel like I’ve got a spiritual connection with gingers! Like telepathic senses. Brain juices flowing ginger to ginger.

What’s your ultimate love goal?
In a perfect world, my future looks happy. A gorgeous wife. Someone to travel around with. Someone who wants to have kids - I definitely want kids. I guess I’m looking for everyone’s dream, but maybe with a little bit of spice.

Would you say you’re good at lying?
I am good at lying – It comes with my personality of being a bit of a wind-up. I am sarcastic, but when it comes to being more serious, I’m a completely open and honest person. I don’t have anything to hide.

What do you think of lying in a relationship?
Lying is definitely a red flag. It’s different if it was the smallest of white lies. I don’t mind that. But when it comes to the nitty gritty, if you’re going to be lying, you probably shouldn’t be in a relationship.

Are you a romantic?
I am not the type of romantic who is going to fly you to Paris and put rose petals on the bed. I like doing small gestures to make the person I’m with feel special. When I was 17 or 18, one time my ex-girlfriend wasn’t feeling too good about herself, so when we were making dinner I put chicken nuggets and chips in the oven, but I spelled out “You look cute” in the chips and that put a smile on her face.

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ENDS