Sonia and Olivier are both 61 years old. The couple met last summer at a restaurant. Today they live together in France. Interestingly, they come from Great Britain. At first, Sonia had no intention of moving there. However, unexpected love thwarted her plans.
The woman had previously traveled a lot around the world. In 2020, after an extended stay in Dubai, she flew to Belley, France to visit family. However, it was stopped on site due to restrictions resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. So she had to stay longer. Later, she became involved in helping the family and the decision to leave was still postponed. Finally, in the spring of 2022, she went to dinner with a friend.
They were 60 years old when they fell in love. “At one point she asked if I was looking for a wife”
There she met Olivier – who owned the restaurant. – I really liked this restaurant because the staff accommodated my vegetarianism, which was hard to find in France! – she told a journalist from “The Guardian”. At first, it was a bit difficult for her to communicate with Olivier because she spoke little French. However, the conversation was so sticky that Sonia thought: “Oh my God, he’s cute and funny.” Olivier had the same impression.
At one point she asked me if I was looking for a wife and I blushed
– recalled the 61-year-old. Before dinner was over, they were already making plans to meet again. Olivier admitted he was a bit intimidated. He asked Sonia’s friend to give her his phone number. Sonia, however, decided that he should speak first. Six weeks after the first meeting, she invited him for tea.
Sonia was initially apprehensive about getting involved in a new relationship. She divorced her husband 10 years ago. She was happy as a single person, but the next meeting made her feel even more smitten with her new acquaintance. Even though there was a language barrier between them. It was then that the British woman decided to sign up for French classes.
They fell in love with each other at first sight. “Life is short and you have to act quickly”
A few days later, they agreed to go for a walk in the forest. – I just knew I definitely wanted to be with him. It was also the first time we kissed, she recalled. They both decided to focus on learning languages. Olivier started taking English lessons. Over time, their communication improved greatly. – There were no more misunderstandings – Sonia added.
I think we need to act quickly. Because we know that life is short (…). When you’re happy in a relationship, every minute counts. And you want to be with the person you love as much as possible
– confessed Olivier. In turn, Sonia believes that if they had met each other 20 years earlier, they might not be together today. – We have “softened” over the years and are grateful for a second chance at love. I like that I can be myself around him and don’t have to tone down my personality. He makes me feel so young and stupid – like I’m 21 again – she confessed.
Today they live together in Ceyzérieu, France, among the picturesque mountains. They lead a simple, slow but full of joy life. In nearby Lyon they shop and sometimes go to the cinema. They love being surrounded by nature, but they also like to cook for several people and host them in their home. They both have children from previous relationships, so their sons also visit them as often as they can. Olivier has closed his restaurant in Belley and is cooking for individual customers. Sonia is an English teacher. – We are culturally different, but she helps me discover new things and be open – says the man.
Source: The Guardian
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
