I have never been on a date to a comedy club before but I would definitely recommend it to any fledgling couple.

This was my second liaison with Sam after a colleague had set us up on a date a fortnight before.

I had gone against my previous vow to never blind date ever again, after a couple of disasters.

But I had been pleasantly surprised. Our mutual friend obviously knew us well, as we had laughed a lot and had a pretty good time.

In fact, maybe I laughed a bit too much.

As, when I get nervous, I always put my foot in it.

Like after we met, for the very first time, at Parson's Green tube station. I mistakenly thought he was heading for the cashpoint machine.

I followed him, but was surprised when he walked past it. So I asked: "Don't you need to get cash out?"

"No," came the puzzled response.

I realised my mistake, and tried to make a joke of it.

"Not that you need to get loads of money out to go on a date with me, ha ha," I bantered weakly, trying to backtrack.

He said nothing.

That wasn't my only un-funny joke of the night. When we arrived at the restaurant, he ordered mariner's pie.

"How will the mariner feel about you taking his pie!?" I blurted out. "Tee hee!"

Sam either hadn't heard me or didn't understand my hilarious joke.

"Sorry?" he enquired.

Shamefaced, I was forced to repeat the regrettable gag.

He laughed politely, and underneath the table my toes curled with embarrassment.

Why don't I know when to stop talking? I cursed inwardly.

Anyway, he coped with me very well and we found ourselves booking a slot for date two, which saw us taking a table at Jongleurs Comedy Club in Battersea.

It was the perfect thing for us. We didn't have to make endless conversation but could still chat during the comedy of we wanted to - unlike visiting the theatre or cinema.

Plus it taught me a thing or two about being funny - although I think I will have to visit several million more times before I improve on the pie joke.