The moment I knew: he helped me try on a motorbike helmet – and I cried because he showed such tenderness

My love life has not been straightforward to say the least. I’ve been married – and also divorced. By 2016, I had pretty well given up on men and was happy to live alone with my dog. I was working full-time in Brisbane and busy six days a week. But Sundays were lonely and I decided to get a Sunday lover.
I created a profile on a dating site and offered a challenge to potential suitors: “I dare you to excite my synapses.” I was hoping to meet a very intelligent man this time.
Chris took up the dare. But he stated on his profile that he was looking for a serious relationship. Not a good start. But our conversations by email were interesting and went on for a few weeks.
We finally met in person at a fundraising event for a colleague of mine. I invited Chris along since it was close to where he lived, but I was sure he wouldn’t turn up. He did, to my great delight. He was wearing Versace Eros, his signature scent. He smelled so nice.
My colleagues were all shocked when I introduced him. I had not discussed that I would be bringing a mystery man, but Chris made a good impression on everyone. He was very social and interested in what people said. Brownie points for a guy turning up to a work do on a first date!
The relationship quickly took off. We had plenty in common, and got on so well – he was smart but also down to earth, and a jack of all trades like me. But I made it clear I did not want anything too complicated.
We had only been seeing each other for two weeks when Chris, a seasoned motorcyclist, offered to take me for a ride on his bike. He is extremely safety conscious and insisted I wear all the right protection gear. He offered to buy me a helmet, which I thought was very generous.
So off to the motorbike accessories shop we went. When I tried on the first helmet, he was so gentle and concerned, making sure it fitted perfectly. To my surprise, tears welled in my eyes – no one had ever treated me with such tenderness before.
As I wiped away the tears, I could tell Chris was slightly taken aback by my reaction. After all, we were only just getting to know each other. I told him I was moved by his protective nature and that I really was not used to that.
To lighten the mood, we moved to the gloves section. It was actually harder to find gloves to fit me than it had been for the helmet. There were not many choices for small female hands. Nevertheless, I found a pair and tried them on.
Chris asked if I knew “five little piggies”. I had no idea what he was talking about – I am French Canadian and was not brought up with English nursery rhymes. He demonstrated on my gloved fingers: this little piggy went to the market, and this little piggy stayed home. He told me it was normally done on babies’ toes. But here was a grown adult man doing a nursery rhyme in a tough bikers’ shop. I burst out laughing.
That was the moment I knew that there would be nobody else for me. I could not help falling in love with the man who demonstrated such a caring heart and quirky sense of humour, all within 10 minutes. The Sunday lover became my everyday lover.
We’ve been together for eight years since that shopping trip. After many years riding on the back of Chris’ bike, I also learned to ride and bought my own motorcycle. And we’ve travelled and had so many adventures together, including driving around Australia in a converted 20-year-old bus.
In 2018, we married in a sweet ceremony at a seaside restaurant, with just 30 friends and family.
Chris is my ideal partner. He makes me feel supported, loved and cared for and makes me laugh no end. This little piggy could not be happier.