What age do hearts truly grow up and make that leap between immature and mature, between loving for your benefit, and loving for theirs? For me, it was junior year. The one I fell for first (previously referred to as February) was younger, but definitely an incredible person. However, there was no benefit to me from falling for him. He never reciprocated my feelings beyond that of a friend. To this day, I believe he is in love with one of my best friends, who in turn has a boyfriend. What a mess we all are, huh?
The point is, that was the time that I first truly cared for someone like that beyond for what I thought they could give me. It doesn't mean I was immune to that previous, immature feeling (see August) but it does mean I'd made that leap, and I discovered what it felt like to really love someone. (As I don't think he reads this blog, I feel comfortable posting it. Maybe he'll see it someday and figure it out, maybe he won't).
As I've talked to many of my friends (which are oddly mostly of the male variety) I've seen a pattern. Around the age at which they can drive (16-17) is about the age that the heart seems to make that leap. I'd like to talk to more of them about it, but truly, how awkward would that be? "Hey, what's up? Um, you wanna tell me about the time you first fell in love?" I think for some of my female friends it may have been a little bit younger, but the majority seem to be about the same time. Junior year.
Anyway, I'm not qualified to make any assumptions at all, and I'd love to hear from some other people! Especially stories, if you're comfortable. The stories are always the best part. What age did you first fall in love?
16 years old... you know the story well enough. I don't think I have to tell it to you. :)
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