“It’s just not a good time,” he said, blaming his faults and wrongdoings on something as trivial as the mere month we were in the middle of. “The timing— it’s just not right.” I reciprocated with something almost as illogical- compliance. Looking back on this experience I wish my past self could be reassured on what I know now— that there never is a right time. If we live our whole lives waiting for the conditions to be perfect— to begin the relationship, to make the move, to start the project, to reach out to an old friend, hell, even to go to the grocery store— we’re bound to be waiting forever.

The universe and its timing have had an ongoing rivalry for eternity, and it’s not stopping anytime soon. Something will always be in the way— the looming separation of a graduation, the new job, some difficult classwork, or the family coming into town. The truth of the matter is that there will never be a time where the stars have aligned so perfectly as to ensure every little thing will work out for you flawlessly. This may sound frightening at first, but I have grown to find comfort in this fact. Knowing that you have nothing to be waiting for has a funny way of changing your priorities, of making the truly important decisions stick out just a little more.

So love recklessly, without fear of getting hurt. Call up an old friend and see how they’re doing, ask about their new life and be genuinely happy for them. Find it in your heart to forgive that one person that you never thought you could. Send a letter to your grandma. You never know when people will leave your life without question. Some say that “good things come to those who wait” but I simply can’t fathom what pleasant things they’re mentioning. Call me impatient, but waiting for a “right” time to love someone, or to reach out to someone, will always leave you disappointed upon realizing that there will never be one.