Author: Elizabeth

In the final few years of his life I would go visit my great grandpa at least once a week, if not more. One of his first questions to me on a regular basis was, “Have you had your heart broken yet?” 

At that point in time my answer was always an honest, “No,” but almost exactly six years and ten months have past since the day he died and I can now say without hesitation, “Yes, my heart has been broken.” 

Your anxiety, depression and the issues you carry with you as a result of not allowing the past to stay in the past caused you to become distant. It came out of nowhere you became a person I didn’t recognize. 

Then randomly the next time we saw each other you were back being your easy going, fun loving self, the guy i fell in love with, it was like my boyfriend was back.

But, just as quickly as it came it was gone again. This turned into a cycle. We had been friends for fourteen plus years. I would try to pull away to avoid the hurt that was coming from the things you were doing because it seemed like the right thing to your head. While your heart said that I was the love of your life and proved it constantly. 

You said that you didn’t want to hurt me anymore, so decided we should “take a break” so you could work through your past issues without hurting me anymore than you have. 

But, last time we saw each other you kissed me and said those three little words I had been desperate to hear, “I love you.” in hope that you still loved me as much as I knew you once had. You acted as if the last six months of back and forth hadn’t happened. 

I never thought it was possible but hearing the words that you loved me, and wanted to be with me forever, and that I was the love of your life hurt more than I could’ve ever imagined. 

The next morning you admitted you meant everything you said the night before but still didn’t feel completely 100% back to being yourself, and didn’t want to pull me back in until you were completely back to normal. 

It hurt to hear but it also gave me hope that the future we have been talking about isn’t that far off and we will make it there soon.

If my great grandpa were here today I would say, “Yes, I have gotten my heart broken. But, if it hadn’t happened my relationship wouldn’t have been able to evolve and grow. The brokenness allowed both of us to focus on becoming stronger individually and becoming better people for each other in the long run.”

For the longest time, it seemed like my bestie was cursed to only attract grade A douchebags when she was looking for lasting romantic relationships. 

But unlike the rest, I know you're a good guy who will love her and treat her well. 

• Remember that while you're great, most of the guys she's dated haven't been. If she gets a little nervous or craves reassurance, it's only because she's afraid you'll break her heart like they did.
• She's very strong willed. She has a mind of her own and will do what she wants 100% of the time…
• So save yourself the argument and let her make her own choices. Trying to force her to do anything your way won't end well. 
• She thinks big and has a plan for her future, it's your job to support her. If you don't let her give up on her ambitions…
• She'll be there for you wholeheartedly as you chase your own. 
• Embrace her family. They're a huge part of her life and will always be her #1 priority…
• But once you become a part of their group, you'll never feel alone. 
• Be prepared to hear about her fandoms; her shows = life…
• And if you take the time to watch a few episodes with her, she'll never let you go.
• She has total road rage, but she'll never admit it – she always claims that the problem is other drivers.

If you put in the effort, she'll be the best love you've ever known.

It has been 18 years and I still wonder about what happened to you…

You came into our small, close knit, community and didn't even stay long enough to make enrollment in the school seem worth it. But, you made a lasting impression on me, a girl who was endlessly getting made fun of for something that was out of my control, and always would be. 

You quickly befriended me and we made a plan to address the bullying I was experiencing, but the following week, the day we were going to talk to the teachers about it, you didn't come to school, and the next day I learned from someone else that you weren't coming back. 

I don't know what it was about you that makes it impossible for my mind to forget, but every now and then I find myself daydreaming and realize I'm wondering about you. 

I have so many questions for you, I just wish I could have one last conversation with you. 

Find more of Elizabeth's writing here: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethBlogs/

Don't deny it, you can't go a week without seeing what happens and who's getting backstabbed. 

1. To live vicariously. Finding love is hard to do in real life and travel is way more expensive than tv.

2. It's the best escape from what's actually happening in your life…

3. Plus it gives you hope that Mr. or Ms. Right is waiting for you…

4. And it's an improv soap opera, how fun is that?

5. You live to see what the crazy contestants do next…

6. And it gives you something to look forward to each week.

7. Because there's nothing more entertaining…

8. And it gives you some great ideas for romantic dates.

9. Even if you wanted to give it up, the sheer drama of it all has you hooked.

10. You're beyond excited to see how it all turns out…

11. Because above it all, you just love watching love.

Although not all the couples that get together through the show last, its alumni have a tendency to create long-lasting romantic relationships which make for even more fun.