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Jobs: Restaurant owner and beauty adviser
Ages: Kai is 41, Carmen is 35
Live: Bromley and Swansea
Length of time together: 16 months
Status: Married
The meet-cute
Kai: I’d been looking for a new dating app and came across The Inner Circle. There weren’t many members in Swansea, where I live, so I set my location to London — geography shouldn’t matter when looking for the one. There wasn’t a lot of information on Carmen’s profile. I wasn’t ticking boxes, it was based on the attraction and personality. Carmen had a very pretty and traditional Chinese look.
The chat-up line
Carmen: Kai initiated the conversation and also asked me out on our first date — no cheesy chat-up line needed. I’m glad he made the first move as I’m more shy.
The first date
Kai: I drove from Swansea to London. I was pretty nervous but I had a good feeling. We went to the London Eye, the aquarium and out for dinner, then I stayed in London long enough to have a second date. I took her to Duck and Waffle and asked her to be my girlfriend. When you know, you know.
First impressions
Carmen: I was impressed with Kai —he was well-groomed. I knew he’d made an effort. His confidence really won me over. He made me feel comfortable and asked lots of questions to drive the conversation. There were no awkward silences.
Key to the heart
Kai: After date three I gave Carmen a key to my house. Even if we don’t live together, I wanted to show her how much I wanted her to be around.
Popping the question
Carmen: Kai asked me to marry him just eight months in and we married in June. We had the wedding at his restaurant, The Ranch Steakhouse, in Swansea, and I did most of the decor, so it felt intimate and personal.
Living apart
Carmen: We still live apart: we see each other once every couple of weeks. It’s worked well as it means the time we have together is quality time. The travelling time is starting to get a bit much so we plan to move in together next year. Then we’ll be talking more about starting a family.
Opposites attract
Carmen: Kai is kind, genuine and fun to be around, though he does leave his laundry on the floor, which drives me mad, particularly if he’s staying at mine. I’m much more of a neat freak.
Date nights
Kai: Chinatown has become our place to hang out, though we love nights in. Carmen is an incredible cook so it’s great to relax and have a good conversation over some food.
❤To tell your love story, email londonlovestories@standard.co.uk
