My brother came home from college for the holidays, and brought his new girlfriend. She actually came to our wedding last June (as his date), but they were only good “friends” at the time. Now they’re like two little love sick puppies. They are in that phase where they can’t be without each other. They tease each other endlessly, and have to be touching at all times. An afternoon drive, walking in the park, even watching TV on the couch are new and amazing adventures.
They were over at our place on New Year’s Day eating and enjoying family time. I looked at them and their perma-smiles, and whispered to my mom, “I don’t think any of us exist right now. They’re in their own world.”
She turned back and was like, “That’s exactly how you and L were seven years ago.”
I guess I have forgotten. Oh, to be young and newly in love.
As I pondered the subject further, I thought about how amazing it is to be with the same person for a long time. He’s been with me during the highs. He’s helped me through my lows. And sometimes he reveals a side to him I never knew he had. I am pleasantly reminded that someone I like to think I know so well can still surprise me.
This is the stuff of dreams that I didn’t have to put make-up on or get dressed up to create. It’s magical because it happens in the home we’ve built together. It happens at night when I watch him fall asleep, and he half jokingly tells me I’m creepy. It happens in the day when he text messages me, “I miss you.”
“Old” love (for lack of a better word) can be just as fun as “new” love. While it can’t replace the novelty of every “first” you experience in a new relationship, I actually think it’s better.