Learning Things From Boys

For some reason, I recently started thinking about things I'd learned from past relationships or dating experiences. I was wondering about the point of going through so many different guys, and then decided that instead of wishing I'd met JD sooner, I would try to figure out what I'd learned from some of them. So here are the ones that first come to mind.

Boy #1 taught me that first kisses can be extraordinarily awkward, but it kind of helps if it's with a good friend who will still be your good friend when it's over. He showed me that something as simple as holding hands can make you feel tingly all over. He took me on a fun/scary/exhausting/exhilerating roller coaster of emotions. And he finally taught me that a girl can only take so much nonsense and immaturity before she'll flip a switch and decide once and for all that she is done. He also showed me how to build up a big strong wall that wouldn't budge for years.

Boy #2 taught me that rebound relationships are ultimately no bueno for either person. So that was my last attempt at one of those.

Boy #3 taught me that the moment you realize that you want out of a relationship, you should get out immediately. Prolonging the situation only makes things worse. Way, way worse.

Boy # 4 taught me that dating a boy who has lots of money might make for fun and interesting dates but it won't necessarily make the boy fun and interesting (a realization that came as a bit of a disappointment to me).

Boy # 5 taught me that there are boys who will talk their way around the wall you've built, only to realize once they get inside that they don't really want to be there after all. So they'll leave, after making sure that your wall is good and fortified. I made sure to start watching out for those sneaky boys.

Boy #6 taught me to walk with my head up and my eyes forward. Literally. He also taught me that sometimes you can pass time with someone, even years, without becoming very attached. Simply for the sake of passng time, because you enjoy each other's company. He also taught me that goodbye doesn't always have to hurt.

Boy #7 showed me how much fun it is to spot a guy across the room, decide you want him and then -much to your surprise- get him. He also made me realize that sometimes the process of getting someone is more exciting than actually getting him.

Boy #8 taught me that sometimes things end on a sour note and you don't know why or what happened and you don't always get the closure you think you need. And sometimes that's okay. Sometimes it's enough to just know that it ended for a reason.

Boy #9 didn't really teach me anything but our break-up story still makes me giggle and you can go here if you want to read about it.

And then, finally, boy #10 came along and taught me that there are, contrary to my former beliefs, a few truly good men left in the world. That there is one who will care enough to smash down the wall that was built years before. That being with someone can -and should- be easy. That love doesn't have to hurt. That you can spend hours and days and years with someone and still miss him when you have to be apart. That knowing that you're part of a team and will always have him in your corner is the most amazing feeling in the world. And that the cliche about loving someone more after years of marriage than you did on your wedding day may sound cheesy and silly but it can be true.

I can't say that "if I knew then what I know know" I would date all -or any- of those first guys again. But at the same time, I don't have any regrets. Some of the memories make me smile and some make me roll my eyes but I think they all helped in some way- whether it was to toughen me up, build my confidence, or simply entertain me for a while.

I'm 100% content with the "boy story" of my life, because I know the way it ends. Me with my prince, living happily ever after.

So what about you... have you learned any interesting tidbits from boys? :-)

{kiss from here, all pictures via, except the last}