We all make mistakes, and we sure as heck all make mistakes when we venture out there into the dating world. For me, I have always been the hopeless romantic. I suppose a little part of me has always clung to the idea that one day I will be wooed by a Mr. Darcy and we will eventually get married...happy ending...blah blah blah... And all of that is fine, and I'm sure my love story will begin out there in the future when the timing is right. Until the day comes, however, I am pretty satisfied with what I have learned about the whole love game thus far, just as many of us have learned a lot already.
As we teenagers and 20-somethings age and date and add people to our lists of exes, we also take with us some pretty crucial lessons and experiences. It isn't high school anymore, and these decisions that we are making can really affect people's lives. As we navigate through the mess of changes that is turning into an adult, so we also take on relationships with different approaches, and so we also learn to react to situations a little bit differently. And of course, we will learn even more, in time. But improvement is something to be proud of, too. So here's a list of romance-like situations and how reactions change as you change. After all, dating in college is lightyears away from dating in high school!
1. He texts: "You're really cute."
16-year-old me: Oh my gosh! He likes me! I shall start naming all of our children and picking out the China patterns for our wedding.
19-year-old me: *feels flattered* Perhaps I should tell him that he is cute, too.
2. He asks me on a date.
16-year-old me: This is it, I'm going to listen to Taylor Swift all day and pick out a cute outfit. Maybe I'll even get my first kiss!
19-year-old me: *texts bff* *picks out cute outfit* *smiles*
3. He goes out of his way to talk to me.
16-year-old me: I feel so special, but I still don't know if it means anything. He talks to other girls too, maybe he's just nice.
19-year-old me: *feels special*
4. He becomes distant.
16-year-old me: It's my fault that he's changed.
19-year-old me: This isn't my fault, but I still care about him. I will see what's wrong.
5. He breaks my heart.
16-year-old me: I will never be the same after this. I thought I was in love, or maybe I wasn't. But I can't believe it's over and I can't believe we will never be "us" again. How could he do this to me, after all that we've been through?
19-year-old me: *smiles at the good times, and reflects on the bad* I will be OK.
Above all, boys and girls, love yourselfie and don't be afraid to make mistakes. You are worth the world. Oh, and never stop learning!
