Emily Quance, now married to Lucy, recalls their first date in 2017 when she unknowingly smelled of body odor due to ineffective deodorant. Despite the mishap and a bleeding tattoo, the couple’s chemistry led to a lasting relationship.
The Unforgettable First Date
In the summer of 2017, Emily matched with Lucy on Plenty of Fish. After two weeks of chatting, they met in Bristol on a hot August day. Emily, then working in London, showered at the office before the train but used a charcoal-based natural deodorant that later proved useless. By the time Lucy picked her up at Temple Meads station, Emily was sweating but unaware of the odor.
Back at Lucy’s house, they drank wine and talked for hours. Emily felt tired, and Lucy suggested she take a shower. Emily agreed, thinking it would help her perk up, not realizing Lucy was subtly hinting at her body odor. On the landing, they shared their first kiss, but Lucy’s one-week-old tattoo began bleeding due to steam. They laughed it off and stayed up until dawn.
Love Blossoms Despite Imperfections
Emily missed her train back to London without regret, knowing it was love at first sight. She continued traveling to Bristol until Lucy asked her to move in a year later. The truth about the body odor emerged years later while watching First Dates. Emily commented on how their relationship shouldn’t have worked, and Lucy replied, “Yeah, and you were using that awful deodorant and smelled of B.O.” Emily was mortified, but Lucy reassured her she liked her anyway.
A Romantic Proposal
18 months after their first date, Lucy proposed on Christmas Eve. She gave Emily an advent calendar with wooden drawers, each containing a reason she loved her. On December 24th, the final note instructed Emily to turn around, where Lucy was on one knee with a ring. Emily said yes immediately. The couple celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary this summer.
Lessons in Love
Emily advises not to judge a person by their smell, as they might be the love of your life. The story highlights how imperfections can lead to lasting connections.
