Reflections on Adolescent Relationships: My First Middle School Love

Chasing the Love of Childhood

In seventh grade, my best friend’s confession marked the beginning of my first middle school relationship. A series of seemingly innocent interactions and unrequited crushes set the stage for my teenage heart's journey.

First Middle School Crush: Drama and Protection

One day, my best friend confessed to another that I liked him, and thus, we started dating. The relationship was short-lived, from October until early February. He was protective, to say the least. If someone beat me in a game, he would immediately and aggressively play against them to win. This behavior extended to his interactions with my best friend, whom he bullied to ensure he had complete control over our relationship. When I confronted him about this, he promised to stop his bullying behavior—but my early warnings about his overprotectiveness ultimately led to our breakup.

A Crush on an Eighth Grader: The Bus and Beyond

During sixth grade, I had a crush on an eighth grader who shared my bus ride. We would often play games together, and people started speculating about us. However, despite the rumors and my deep affection, I was hesitant to act on my feelings. The turning point came when I decided to email him and ask for a clear answer. His reply was immediate, confirming that he had feelings for me as well, initiating a brief, cliche relationship.

We would sit together and play video games like Mario Bros, and I would often rest my head on his shoulder or wrap my arm around him. Though we texted frequently and fantasized about kissing, we never acted on it. By the end of the school year, he had disappeared, never sitting with me again during our bus rides. Despite my persistent attempts to reconnect with him through notes and messages, he remained silent.

The Ultimately Short-Lived Crush: Trevor's Advances

Another attempt at a relationship during my sixth grade year was from a boy named Trevor. His courtship was dramatic and alluring. He would whisper in my ear in the halls, touch my hand in class, and even proposed to snap chatting to me over Thanksgiving. His earnestness was evident when he said, ‘I have a crush on you…’ and got so excited to become my girlfriend. Though it only lasted for a week, Trevor’s courtship was memorable. He’s grown taller and now sits in front of me in math class, still a good friend despite the short-lived romance.

Lessons Learned

These early relationships taught me the importance of defining boundaries and understanding what one wants from a relationship. Overprotective behavior is a red flag, and true communication is the foundation of any lasting connection. Though these experiences were challenging, they paved the way for more mature and meaningful relationships in the years to come.