The summer going into my 8th-grade year, I started dating this boy. It was good at first, but as we went back to school, it got bad. We broke up and got back together so many times, it was not a good relationship, especially for both of our first relationships. We were no good for each other, but when you think someone is the someone you want to be with for the rest of your life, you will do anything to stay.

At the beginning of my freshman year, I got back with him again, but it didn’t last long, and we finally called it quits a month into freshman year. Being in a relationship like I was from 13 to almost 15 is not healthy and caused a lot of issues with my life and mental health. It was extremely hard to let go because he was in all my classes and would always talk to me; my friends would always tell me to let go and move on, news flash, it’s hard to just let someone go when they have been in your life for so long, like I grew up with him, I watched him become who he was and who he is now.

It took a long time to stop talking completely, and there was a lot of disagreement and bickering throughout the years. It was weird seeing him, being in class with him, and talking to him after the breakup. There was tension between him and me; it felt like I had made a mistake after letting him go because I would always catch him looking at me and trying to talk to me. I took a break from dating for a few months and kept to myself, and started hanging out with my friends again without someone breathing down my neck, wondering where I am and who I am with. I started socializing with people and became friends with people I stopped talking to for him. I could tell it bothered him when I moved on, but I needed to let go.

This boy I used to be friends with started to talk to me again, and my friends would always tease me about him. I really liked him, but I didn’t know about him liking me. Never trust your friends because one of my friends told him, and good thing he liked me back, because that would have been humbling. Right before winter break started, I sent him a tiktok and then we started to text and talk to each other a lot. I went on a trip, and we were still texting and everything, and he asked me out. I said yes, and we started dating. It was awkward at first, like all relationships, but we got there in the end. He also ended up moving on and getting a new girlfriend, and it’s still awkward between us, and it probably will be for a long time. I mean, we are only sophomores, so there is time to figure it out.

I have been with that same boy for over a year now, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. He has taught me so much, and I have taught him so much. He taught me that there is always someone out there who will fight for you, show you appreciation, love you for you, help you, and stay with you through the hard parts. One day, someone will come around and show you these things, show you how you were meant to be loved, how you want to be loved. There is always someone out there for you, so if you feel like you don’t have a chance, just give it time, and something will happen. Not everyone can give you what you need, but one day, someone will give you all you could ask for.

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