Finding love in the workplace is a common theme in romantic movies. But for Ben and Lauren Stowers, this cliché became a beautiful reality. They met and fell in love while working as train drivers for Southeastern Railway.
Every day, Ben and Lauren operate one of the 2,000 trains on Southeastern Railway, helping passengers travel across London, Kent, and East Sussex. Despite their hectic schedules, they only catch brief glimpses of each other during their shifts.
It was in the train crew area at Dartford station that their eyes first locked, and they felt an instant connection. Reflecting on that moment, Ben recalls, “I’d walked into the mess room moaning and her initial thoughts of me were – ‘He’s so miserable!’ My first recollection of Lauren was seeing her and thinking she was beautiful. We became firm friends quickly.”
Their friendship gradually blossomed into a romantic relationship in 2017, and they have been going strong ever since. Ben still can’t believe that Lauren agreed to be his girlfriend, saying, “I remember my mouth getting so dry as I couldn’t believe we were an item. I still can’t! I think our colleagues knew we were a couple before even we did, due to our great friendship and the way I looked at her!”
As committed train drivers, Ben and Lauren try not to talk about work when they are at home. However, Ben does like to quiz Lauren on the latest railway policies from time to time. They are so dedicated to their jobs that they won’t even be taking time off for Valentine’s Day; Ben will be heading into Grove Park station for a shift.
Despite the demands of their profession, both Ben and Lauren agree that the best part of working for Southeastern Railway is that they found each other. Ben says, “The best thing about working for Southeastern for me is that I got to meet Lauren. Cheesy I know, but true.”
Their love story proves that even in the busiest of professions, love can find a way to flourish. Ben and Lauren remind us all that it’s never too late to find love, no matter where you work or how busy your schedule may be.
