First loves are a big deal. You either marry your first love or you break up. Regardless of the outcome of your relationship, the first time that you said "I love you" was a big deal. You probably felt it for a long time, and couldn't find the right time to say it. Once you found the right time to say it, everything changed.

Before you said, "I love you," you said things like, "I like you so much," or, "You're so cute." You tried to avoid the word "love" even when talking about something as simple as food. You didn't want to scare him/her away especially if you thought it was too soon. You had this feeling in your heart, and you knew what it was. You just didn't know how to say it or when to say it. You would ask yourself "is it too soon? Is it going to weird him/her out?"

When you felt comfortable enough, you thought about saying it. There were moments when you would both pull back from a kiss and stare into each others eyes. You both felt it, and you both wanted to say it. Neither of you had the nerve to do it. In this stage, days, weeks, and even months could've passed before you could actually say it. The moment you said it your heart fluttered, and you waited for a response that was hopefully, "I love you, too." When he/she responded with, "I love you too," you felt like your world was complete.

In some cases, these first loves stay together forever, and, in some cases, they don't last. Those who stay together have a life full of happiness knowing that their first love was their only love. Unfortunately some are not that lucky.

The unlucky ones are left broken with only themselves to pick up the pieces. The weak ones are left thinking that love is a lie. The stronger ones are left to seek out new love. Whether you are weak or strong, you have to decide your path. Some take a month or so to get over their first love, some take years, and some never fully recover.

Once you lose your "L-word virginity," any relationship after is different. You are either seeking a feeling from someone too soon, or you are cringing at the thought of love. The hardest concept to grasp when dating after losing your first love is building a relationship and getting to know the next person from the inside out. Love does become easier, though, once you've put it all out on the table. With your next love you are either way more hesitant or way more willing to say it sooner. It all depends on if you are a stronger or weaker person.

All in all, losing your L-word virginity is a scary process, but what is even scarier is when you have to do it all over again.

"Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." Corinthians 13: 4-8