In September 2023, Danni Smith found herself divorced for a year and at age 59, reflecting on her desire for companionship. She felt that “surely there’s got to be a little bit more love that I could give in my life.” After testing dating apps without much success, she eventually connected with Kev on Bumble, drawn by his eyes and smile. While his profile highlighted a passion for travel—a stark contrast to her own severe anxiety regarding holidays—the two arranged a casual meeting at a bar in a Melbourne bayside suburb. Had some pretty average dates and thought it wasn’t for me, but I decided to give it one last shot, i gave Bumble a go. According to his profile, Travel was really important to him, which gave me a bit of a laugh because I have huge anxiety issues around holidaying of any sort. We exchanged a few texts and decided to arrange a date. So about half an hour in, not wanting to waste our time, I thought I should make a few disclosures, it was all very easy between us. Firstly I told him that as a divorcee twice over, I obviously wasn’t very good at relationships. He surprised me by saying we were on par there. I wrote him a card thanking him for giving me hope and saying had circumstances been different, I would have given a relationship between us 100%. Maybe this could go somewhere, i thought that was so nice of him and a little spark lit up in me – if he’s willing to compromise on something so important to him. We stayed in touch and I started to realise you really can learn a lot about a person over the phone.
Seeking honesty early on, Danni disclosed her history as a twice-divorced woman and her struggle with a pathological fear of flying, which she felt made her a poor travel partner. She fully expected Kev to leave, but he instead listened closely and offered a reassuring solution: “Well, you don’t need to get on a plane to experience Australia!” This willingness to accommodate her fears sparked a genuine connection. But I was also keenly aware that not many people find romance organically these days. And that I wouldn’t be a great travel buddy, then I went on to explain my pathological fear of flying.
The pair continued seeing each other, though the early stages were complicated by distance.
About six weeks later, Kev expressed doubts about the viability of a long-distance relationship, prompting a brief separation. Danni remained hopeful, telling him to reach out if he ever returned to Melbourne. When she later contacted him, he responded immediately, and they reconnected during a Christmas visit. By Boxing Day, their chemistry was undeniable, and after a heartfelt exchange and a final card from Danni, the relationship gained momentum. And then he returned home to Newcastle, we caught up the next week. We talked and laughed and the chemistry was palpable.
By New Year’s Eve, Kev admitted he missed her, leading to a permanent move to Melbourne for both. Over the following three and a half years, Kev has never pressured Danni to fly. Instead, he has patiently supported her, helping her manage triggers like elevators or high-rise hotels. Their travel together has expanded to include trips to Jervis Bay and Canberra, with the couple now planning a central Australian excursion for 2027. We plan to set off to central Australia in 2027.
For Danni, who had always felt isolated by her phobias, Kev’s approach has been transformative. His patience and acceptance serve as a balm, effectively reducing the anxiety itself. While she does not expect to board a plane, his flexibility has allowed her to expand her horizons. Through his unwavering encouragement, she continues to spread her wings, finding comfort in a partner who values her presence above all else.
