Dates-n-mates Glasgow members Kenny Murphy and Karoline Carmichael are getting ready to celebrate their 1-year relationship anniversary in February. They met at a dates-n-mates event, began dating and have now kept their relationship going strong throughout lockdown. We spoke to them to find out how they feel as they approach one year together.
Tell us about how and when you met.
Kenny: September 2019 at a blind date show in Paisley is when we first met.
Karoline: Yeah, it was.
So, did you get along with each other straight away?
Karoline: Yeah
Kenny: Yes, Karoline kept saying “He’s a good lad, he’s a good lad…”
The first date I went on after joining dates-n-mates, I’m sorry Karoline, was with someone else… but then it was last January we went on our first date.
Karoline: Yes.
Tell us about your first date.
Kenny: It was at Glasgow Quay and from that point on I thought to myself, I am not going to take no for an answer… She is just so kind. We went on about two dates before lockdown happened. And Karoline has also been at my house… my Mum orchestrated this, and I did not know about it.
How difficult has it been with lockdown keeping you apart?
Karoline: Aww so difficult, I just miss Kenny a lot. I didn’t know what to expect.
Kenny: I actually went to see her before Christmas, for about 10 minutes outside. My Mum has helped me to see her.
Before Karoline came along, I didn’t even know what zoom was. But now for me to put myself up for cohosting dates-n-mates’ events… me getting that opportunity is really thanks to Karoline. I know its hard to believe but she kept saying “Kenny, come on zoom”. So, I did!
She has been really good for me; she doesn’t give me any grief. She sometimes even phones me in the morning.
What is your favourite thing about each other?
Kenny: Hmm… I don’t know… I just like it all. Everything!!
Karoline: AH yes me too!
Kenny: I sit myself every day thinking thank goodness I got with Karoline when I did because if I hadn’t, I don’t think I would have coped the same with the pandemic as I have. I really don’t.
Karoline: Yeah, definitely the same.
Ah it seems like you got together at the best time then…
Karoline: Yes definitely!
Kenny: Most people’s relationships would collapse during this.
How have you kept your relationship going?
Karoline: Just with online and stuff
Kenny: I think I have had so much pain in my life, it has made me so driven to keep her in my life and keep her happy.
Ah you don’t want to let something good go…
Both: yeah, that’s it.
What are you most looking forward to about your next in person date?
Kenny: Well, I don’t know.
Karoline: I can’t wait to see Kenny again.
Kenny: Yeah, we have not seen each properly in months. Within about 4 months of joining dates-n-mates, I had been on the blind date event and a couple of dates and then Karoline came along. I think it only took me about 5 weeks to get Karoline to date me… so within the space of about 8 months of joining dates n mates.
Karoline: Yeah, and we can still meet friends in dates-n-mates now too
How do you feel about your relationship 1-year anniversary?
Kenny: I’m excited
Karoline: We can see what marriage is like… *laughs*
Kenny: What was that? Did you say we can see what marriage is like? *laughs*
I think with everything that’s gone on, I would at least think about that sometime with Karoline. She is one of the nicest people I have ever met in my life.
Karoline: Aww that’s sweet Kenny, thank you.
Kenny: Karoline always asks, “will we go for dinner when we can meet up again?”.
And I say we will do more than go for dinner!
Karoline: *laughs*
Kenny: Look… see how bubbly and happy she is! I am really proud of her…
Karoline: I’m proud of you too Kenny.
Kenny: If I can get out to football again soon, I’ll take Karoline with me to enjoy it with me.
