That was the exact logic I used at the time and for a long time afterward. Later in life, though, I changed my mind about the point of relationships; I no longer saw them as needing to lead up to anything in particular — marriage, for example. For me, they at some point and to some extent became just about having an interesting experience that broadened my perspective on life. However they ended I was still all the better for having them. So, if I'd had that experience as a teenager I would have been a more experienced person. Plus, teenage years are a singularly unique time in life where people seem to feel things differently.
Writing this is making me realize that this is really about my regret that during what should have been the least logically and rational part of my life, I still elevated reason over passion. I'm not sad about this, I just regret that the door is now shut and I can never have that particular experience.
falling in love is awesome, but teenagers are not exactly known for their wisdom. Thing is, waiting was better. I'm twenty, and even though I was sorely tempted to fall for some guys i knew, now I've met the man I know I'll marry, and I don't regret that at all.
plus, you really have to define "falling in love." if you mean real love, I don't think teenagers are really in a position to be in love. maybe some are (emotionally) but most of them are in school, unemployed, degree-less. it's not a good time to be in love. you can't work at love if you're in a bad place.
but the feeling of being in love with someone is wonderful. but that comes after the commitment. again, most teens can't make that commitment (and probably shouldn't.)
really? I've never regretted it. I was just too rational to put too much into a relationship I knew would never last. Why do you regret it?
ReplyDeleteThat was the exact logic I used at the time and for a long time afterward. Later in life, though, I changed my mind about the point of relationships; I no longer saw them as needing to lead up to anything in particular — marriage, for example. For me, they at some point and to some extent became just about having an interesting experience that broadened my perspective on life. However they ended I was still all the better for having them. So, if I'd had that experience as a teenager I would have been a more experienced person. Plus, teenage years are a singularly unique time in life where people seem to feel things differently.
ReplyDeleteWriting this is making me realize that this is really about my regret that during what should have been the least logically and rational part of my life, I still elevated reason over passion. I'm not sad about this, I just regret that the door is now shut and I can never have that particular experience.
falling in love is awesome, but teenagers are not exactly known for their wisdom. Thing is, waiting was better. I'm twenty, and even though I was sorely tempted to fall for some guys i knew, now I've met the man I know I'll marry, and I don't regret that at all.
ReplyDeleteplus, you really have to define "falling in love." if you mean real love, I don't think teenagers are really in a position to be in love. maybe some are (emotionally) but most of them are in school, unemployed, degree-less. it's not a good time to be in love. you can't work at love if you're in a bad place.
but the feeling of being in love with someone is wonderful. but that comes after the commitment. again, most teens can't make that commitment (and probably shouldn't.)