When you’re 19, you have a new crush basically every five minutes. Like bumblebees, we flit from this flower to that without a second thought, tasting from all over and allowing our libidos and ADD attention spans to rule everything we do – up to and including the new person we fall for every other week.
At that age, you can barely blink without being drawn to someone new, because at this point in life your standards for what makes someone attractive are so low. “Let’s see… great butt, has all teeth? Check, check. Sweet, it’s make out time!”
As we get older wiser and have our fair share of failed relationships (ahem, learning experiences), we ultimately come to know more about our personal values, must-haves and deal breakers, and consequently it becomes less and less frequent that you meet someone you LIKE like. As in, “check the ‘Yes’ box” kind of “like”:
It simply becomes harder to find, thanks to the inevitable laundry list of character requirements we develop through the years of dating All The Wrong People. “Must be 5’9″ exactly for maximum spooning enjoyment; must be able to recognize any and all Arrested Development quotes in everyday conversation; must not only tolerate but encourage my penchant for brightly colored skinny jeans, my undying love for all memes involving cats or Ryan Gosling, and my desire to one day own a teacup pig.”
But by the same token, it becomes that much more precious when you DO find someone who gives you those same excruciatingly intense butterflies you got back when you were 19 and dumb as hell.
Someone who excites you. Someone who surprises you. Someone who makes you want to do and try things you’ve never done before, and learn every. last. THING there is to know about them. Someone who you truly enjoy spending time with – a lot of time, actually – to the point where the rest of the world suddenly seems a bit, well, lackluster when they’re not around.
Nearly ten years later, it’s so rare that I’d almost forgotten what it felt like.
Almost…
{Title credit, and generally adorable video here.}
{ 72 comments }
Almost? Hmmm…can’t wait to hear more! <3 you!
Aw, thanks love – right back atcha!
Brown chicken, brown cow! That didn’t take long…
Haha. How right you were!
!!! i hope this turns out to be everything you want it to. *hugs*, and it was pretty awesome to #bisc with you
Likewise, lady friend! Nicole and I are plotting a NYC trip in November… we’ll have to do an east coast #BiSC reunion for sure. <3
Can’t wait to hear more! You got the mini pig, didn’t you?
Wait, this is even bigger news, isn’t it?
Hahaha. It was hard enough to find an apartment with the kitty – I think I’ll be holding off on Toby for a while, sadly. Someday…
I love this feeling. I haven’t felt it in awhile.
And, really, I’d love to know I’m that person for someone else. Hasn’t happened yet. Maybe someday.
Oh, it will, I promise. And I can’t wait to read about it when it does.
This makes me smile.
Thanks, love. You and me both. <3
I should add “must want a mini pig” to my List. Seems appropriate.
It’s a conversation starter, that’s for sure!
I’m with Dominique on this one, Rachael, hoping it all works out the way you want.
I miss that 19-year-old in myself all the time, it’s nice to know it’s possible to still catch a glimpse every once in a while.
Bob, after *just* spending the better part of a week with you in Vegas, I promise there’s still plenty of 19 year old left in you.
cough THIS cough
Hahaha! I know, I know. It’s just more 19-year-old party animal than 19-year-old romantic at this point is all.
Also, YEAH. We gotta do a repeat on that one sometime soon. Perhaps with Doni in PDX?
Yes!! I’m going to try to do an SEA/PDX trip this July or August, I think. Let me know!
So, are you looking for George Clooney — oh wait, he owned a normal sized pig.
I met my hubby in 2006 and he still smiles when I come in a room and I still love spending time with him and also light up when I’m with him or when he calls.
I’m happy butterflies still exist for you as they should.
It’s couples like you who give me hope and remind me never, ever to settle. I’m holding out for amazing. <3
Woooo~!
Dayumn girl, look ayt’chyoo!
Watch out now!
I absolutely loved this!! I have yet to outgrow dating ADD and will never tire of butterflies.
Something tells me you’ll never outgrow the ADD either, haha. (LOVE YOU MISS YOU.)
I would also like to add, don’t lose yourself in getting to know him. Don’t change or sacrifice who you are. (Dawn!)
Have we met?? Not a chance in hell of that happening, haha.
Wait, what? Details!
Forget finding someone I like…I’ll settle for someone even somewhat desirable at this point. Ah, like seventh grade all over again.
I mean, I just want a boy to walk me to my locker and carry my Biology book. <3
I like this development very much…
You and me both. Also, I think I’m coming to Seattle in either July or August! Drinks?!
YES!
YAYYYYYYY
Love.
xoxo
Fantastic, Rachael! This makes me so happy for you!
Aw, thanks love! You are the best cheerleader. <3
Ha love this post! Glad to see how well things are working out for you. Hopefully things work out in this area too? It really is one of the best feelings
It is, it really is. Thanks so much – I will take your well-wishes and hold them close.
Please blog more about this!! #giggle
Hahaha. We’ll see – I don’t want to jinx anything! How are you love?? How’s the Midwest treating you? <3
Yes!!! I knew this move was going to be good for you! =) So excited to hear more!!
I sort of never had that 19 year old experience. I met my college BF at 17 and we were together for 4 years, broke up and then I’ve been on and off with my current BF ever since. A huge part of me thinks that maybe this is a problem and part of the reason why I am not as happy as I think I could be.
Whatever the reason behind it, if you have a feeling you could be happier (in my experience), you’re usually right… trust your gut, lady. I’ve been there – if you ever want to chat let me know, or feel free to shoot me an email. xoxo
Oh, this post is such a tease!! Need to hear the rest of the story. But I definitely agree with you. It is becoming rarer and rarer to meet someone who gives you those butterflies.
I know, I’m a total tease. Sorry I’m not sorry?
Enjoy the butterflies and have fun!
Check and check!
OoooooOOOOooooOOOOOoooooooh!
That’s about right, haha.
I’d like to learn to knit before you get the pig. That way, if you won’t let me eat him, at least I can make him bedazzled and handmade piggie outfits.
NO EATING TOBY, TERRA.
I don’t know how we can be expected to have an entertaining website if you get all blissful and happy. Guess I need to get single on the asap. (Clearly kidding and so overjoyed) LOVE YOU! xoxo.
HA, right?! Our fabulous dating blog just got a lot less interesting. <3
That feeling really does become more elusive as we “grow up”… it really is such a thrill when it hits again. I kind of wish that would happen again so I could get over someone. Ugh… pass the whiskey my way, will ya?
*takes a swig, passes bottle*
xoxoxo
“…to the point where the rest of the world suddenly seems a bit, well, lackluster when they’re not around.”
I get excited and nervous about this at the same time, but know EXACTLY what you’re talking about. My biggest fear is shutting off everyone else or not being fully present when I’m around other people without him because I’m missing him or worried about what he’s doing. I see girls do it all the time and it sucks!
Also, way to be cryptic. Who’s the lucky guy????? <3
You’ll have to come visit me to find out. Related: I miss you. Also related: super bummed I can’t be at your launch party at Blog World!!! Congrats, lady friend, you’re so big time now! <3
I’ve got this feeling too at the moment – it’s awesome and it has been such a long time since i felt it. Glad you have your own!
Likewise! Yay emotional twinsies, haha
If he even closely fits those requirements, particularly the teacup pig, he’s a winner. So happy for you.
We haven’t quite broached the pig topic yet… we’ll see, haha!
Awwww yeaaahhhh! Go get you some.
Done and DONE.
Ok, I love that song and I was starting to think I was the only person in California who did. And that video really is super cute! How exciting, that feeling… Lucks!
You are not alone!! I LOVE that song. And all country, which apparently makes me an un-San Franciscan, but I don’t care. I’m a rebel, man.
has he met your adorable and amazing cat that makes me wish I didn’t give mine up to my parents to go into retirement?
I love this! It is a wonderful and exciting feeling, isn’t it? I will most definitely come visit so I can meet butterflies for myself.
I saved this post to read later and ended up reading it after having a similar experience last night. I’d like to add in addition to the butterflies: wiggly ears, seeing sparkles, smelling freshly-baked cookies, and intensely wanting to hold his/her hand.
Awwwww, yes yes yes!! All of those things. Life is so sparkly right now! <3
Yeah! Yeah! and Yeah!
Rooting for you
This helps…a lot.
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