‘I said have a great night, he said I love you’: Couple open up about awkward third date
A Brisbane TV identity and his partner of four years have opened up on the “awkward” moment they realised they were in love.
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Despite the ‘guacamole incident’ and a very early profession of love, these two have built a happy relationship based on good communication and making time for each other.
Brendan Smith, 33
Profession: State political reporter, 10 News First
Brendon Mann, 43
Profession: Chief executive and founder, Epic Hair Designs
Together: Four years
Brendan Smith
How did you meet?
A mutual friend suggested we meet for a drink. I then messaged him on Instagram. Two weeks later we finally had a few G&T’s at Mr Percival’s.
What was the first thing you noticed about him?
An extremely handsome face.
When did you first know it was love?
After our third date at Hellenika, where the rosé was flowing, we were saying goodbye to each other. I said “Have a great night”, he said “I love you”. We both stared at each other awkwardly, he jumped into the Uber, I bolted to mine. Too funny!
What was your most standout date?
A helicopter flew us over Hamilton Island and we landed on Whitehaven Beach for a champagne picnic.
What is the most romantic thing your partner has ever done for you?
He’ll put little gifts under my pillow which I discover before we go to bed. It’s super cute.
What is the secret to a happy relationship?
Listening to each other.
Who puts the bins out?
Me for sure.
What is the thing you argue the most about?
All I can say is never give away “prized” guacamole when your partner is craving it or you might be accused of being “inconsiderate”! Hilarious.
What do you find the most annoying about each other?
Brendon told me to say nothing because he’s perfect.
Who does the most cooking?
Me 100 per cent. I love to cook, Brendo loves to eat it … and give “constructive” feedback.
What do you both like to do in your spare time?
We love to travel. We’ve been lucky enough to see a lot of the world during our post-Covid adventures.
Brendon Mann
How did you meet?
I mustered up the courage to finally message back about two weeks later after he asked me out for a drink. We met at Mr Percival’s and didn’t stop talking to each other for hours. High bar seats to the right as you walk in. I always look at the spot whenever I go there.
What was the first thing you noticed about him?
Daily Instagram videos he used to post in between live crosses at Parliament House which showed his great sense of humour.
When did you first know it was love?
When he went to a wedding in the bush for three days and had no phone reception. Despite him telling me that, I missed him terribly and knew he was the one.
What was your most standout date?
We arrived in France on Bastille Day and had a beautiful date – with 5000 others – at a Diner en Blanc in Epernay, Champagne.
What is the most romantic thing your partner has ever done for you?
He surprised me with our handsome puppy Hamilton – the Beaglier – for our second anniversary. I can’t say I love surprises, but you can’t say no to those floppy ears.
What is the secret to a happy relationship?
Focusing on common goals and ensuring one-on-one time is always in the calendar.
Who puts the bins out?
I take them in.
What is the thing you argue the most about?
We really don’t argue that much, however, did he tell you about the guacamole saga?
What do you find the most annoying about each other?
When he continually puts LAVA aka chilli in a lot of dishes.
Who does the most cooking?
Brendan for sure. I always praise his cooking and give feedback when needed.
What do you both like to do in your spare time?
Charity work is very important to us. We love giving back to the community and as ambassadors for Women’s Legal Service, we’re right now raising money for Dancing CEOs Allstars and we’ve so far raised more than $300,000 this year.
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