My Favorite "Mistakes"

As I enter another phase in my life this weekend I have been pondering past relationships and which ones effected me the most. I have been lucky enough to not end relationships "badly" and have kept in touch with most of my ex's over the years. I have also been able to reflect on each relationship and been able to take valuable lessons from each of them.

From L I learned that it is important to communicate, give each other room, and that it is OK to be individuals as well as a couple. This is my most important past relationship as S immediately followed L.

From M I learned that timing is everything and you have to fight for the ones you love. M, consequently, is my "biggest mistake" that I went back to several times and ended up getting hurt each time (I should have soooo listened to my friends). I recently got back in touch with him and let me tell you he still gives me butterflies and makes me weak in the knees (I sooo hate it that he does!). We have chalked up our time together as a pair of star-crossed lovers who may end up together again in 20 years. Lesson learned here: Never go back, fight for the ones you love, and listen to your friends (they see things you refuse to when you are blinded by "love").

Now, W was my "first". An older, hunky firefighter who taught me all about "adult" relationships and that is it important to grow and learn your life lessons before settling down.

D was my first bf ever. He is a sweetie and he will always hold a special place in my heart. What happened here is I grew up and he didn't and we both ended up feeling that we were babysitting/being baby-sat. Let me tell you though, when I think of it, I can still feel the same knots in my stomach when I did 13 years ago after seeing him kiss someone else just 3 days after ending our 9 month HS relationship.

So... let's tally.... that is about 5 people I have been in love with in my life. Each taught a lesson, and with each I learned something about life. They all hold a special place in my heart and I love them all still to this day; just a little differently.