It was innocent and sweet. Despite its brevity, the memory of that summer night in my best friend's backyard remains. I not only learned what a kiss was like but I also figured out some valuable lessons:
1. Never battle butterflies.
No matter how hard you try, there isn't a net that's big enough to capture the butterflies that whiz around your stomach. In moments of excitement, nervousness or fear, you'll feel them fiercely fluttering. Let them. How many things in life can truly make you feel that electrified (and sick all at the same time)?
2. In Real Estate terms: Location, location, location.
Now that I think about it, this lesson mainly applies to buying property. However, the location of a first kiss (or any special moment) is what makes it so memorable. I can recall him leaning over and kissing me on my best friend's trampoline, but I can't remember all the previous times I bounced on that trampoline. Similarly, I can remember where I ate my first Chipotle burrito. Plot twist: it was inside Qdoba because my friends decided to eat there instead but I had already gone to Chipotle.
3. Good friends go a long way.
Friends can be monumental when it comes to fostering new relationships, supporting them, or perhaps encouraging an alternative one. If it weren't for our friends coaxing us into the idea of kissing, I'm not sure if anything would've happened that night. So maybe this lesson is just a nice way of saying that peer pressure isn't always a bad thing. (Unless it's choosing Qdoba over Chipotle.)
4. Get lost in the moment.
Unaware, I was enveloped in the moment. I can still recall the faintest of details from that night. The darkness that surrounded us, the thrill that's felt at the start of the summer, the smiles that dashed across our faces, and the sweetness of it all. Getting lost in the moment allows you to find your way back to it when it's gone.
5. Good things take time.
There came a point when I questioned if anything would happen. Would he ever make a move? Should I? Was it my breath? If it was my breath why didn't anyone try to subtly offer me some gum? But right before he had to go home, it happened. All of my worries evaporated into the darkness as we closed our eyes. Just then, the seemingly never-ending wait became worth it.
6. Some nights are meant for staying up not sleeping.
I remember he left and all the girls slept in a tent in my best friend's backyard. While everyone was asleep, I found myself wide awake with the butterflies still floating around. Some nights you rest your head on the pillow and fall fast asleep. Other nights, you'll stay up endlessly thinking about someone in hopes that you'll run into them in your dreams.
7. Choose wisely.
With most things in life, choosing wisely is crucial: deciding on a major, figuring out where to live/what to do in life, or if splurging on the extra guac is worth it. First kisses aren't any different. Unfortunately, we've all faced kissing a few frogs. Fortunately, I chose wisely and dodged a bullfrog.
