Of Love and Growing Up

Was having a major crush with someone in my 1994 batch. Three years I think it took me to get over her. During those darker days I am so sure it was love. I was such a hopeless romantic back then. Ah, the level of naivety still have me chuckle and purple until now.

I remember she asked me during one outing, what gets me attracted to a girl. My answer was … “the hair” ! What kind of dimwitted lame answer was that? No wonder she opted to go out with somebody else.

Should have went for something more cerebral you know. Personality, sense of humor, quick wit, and a selection of better answers masking my apparent shallowness.

To be fair though, she actually has gorgeous hair.

During my junior high, I have this feeling with the prettiest girl in school (well, at least according to me and some friends). Three years went by and the only time I was able to really talk to her was when we're on our separate ways after the graduation. We kept being pen mate for several years after.

I think if there’s a book for teenager to overcome the awkwardness of growing up, that will be a best seller.

I’m happy to report I haven’t grown out of it. The awkwardness, the uncontrolled blush, and the brain short circuit is still there.

Here’s a question for those of you who are, or have ever been, in love. If the object of your affection doesn't feel the same way, would you still be in love with them, despite the hopelessness of the situation, or would you rather rid yourself of these feelings?

Back then, I used to linger in those feelings … far too long. Not so much after the new millennia when something turn me into this pragmatic self.

Maybe it’s true that love is overrated, romanticized by those who've never known it and those who manage to profit from it like Hallmark and De Beers.

Growing up and growing old made me realize that care and affection is what matters. Not that glorified bio-chemical reaction called Love.

As you can observe from the picture above. I look happier now albeit slightly wider horizontally :)