Emily Quance met Lucy on Plenty of Fish in 2017. Lucy flirted first, and they bonded over dogs, family, and musicals. Lucy's marriage had just ended; Emily was casually dating. After two weeks, they arranged a first date in Bristol.
A Sweaty Start
Emily showered at work before the train, but her natural charcoal deodorant failed in the August heat. Lucy picked her up at Temple Meads and noticed a smell like a warm gym bag or ripe Brie. They spent hours talking and drinking wine. When Emily mentioned being tired, Lucy suggested she shower. Emily agreed, unaware that Lucy was hinting at her body odor.
Kiss and Tattoo Bleed
On the landing, they kissed for the first time. The steam from the shower caused Lucy's fresh neck tattoo to bleed. They laughed it off, cleaned up, and stayed up until dawn. Emily missed her train without regret, knowing it was love at first sight.
Moving In and the Truth
A year into the relationship, Lucy asked Emily to move in. Years later, while watching First Dates, Emily commented that their first date shouldn't have worked out. Lucy revealed: 'Yeah, and you were using that awful deodorant and smelled of B.O.' Emily was mortified, but Lucy reassured her she just needed decent deodorant.
A Christmas Proposal
18 months later, Lucy gave Emily an advent calendar with handwritten reasons she loved her. On Christmas Eve, the final drawer contained a note to turn around. Lucy was on one knee with a ring. Emily said yes. They celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary this summer. Emily's advice: never judge a person by their smell.
