Reflections on Childhood Crushes: Looking Back at First Love

Everyone wonders at what age they experienced their first crush. For some, it happens in high school; for others, it's in middle or even college. However, there are those extraordinary childhood memories of heartbeats and whispered promises that leave a lasting impression. In this article, we delve into the first crushes of our youth, exploring the innocence and warmth of these early sentiments.

Second Grade: Unseen Love

My first crush was in second grade, and quite funny how it all began. My parents and classmates knew about it because I couldn't help but make it so obvious by constantly talking about him. He was always funny and kind, qualities that made him stand out to me. Unbeknownst to me, he ended up with my best friend, which changed everything. This isn't a story to make you cry, but to help us cherish the youthful innocence of our heart's first flutter. Today, I don't have any romantic connections with those involved, but the memories remain etched in my heart.

First Grade: The Playground and The One

When I was a mere five or six years old, a playground tire swing was my dreamy meeting spot for "The One." While today's rom-coms depict elaborate and glamorous scenes, for a child, a tire swing wanted for no decoration. He, whom I referred to as "The One," caught my attention with his soft and shy voice. His blonde hair and quiet demeanor set him apart, making him appear otherworldly to the very extroverted child that I was. That feeling of finding someone special in a single moment is something that can't be replicated in any film or story. And yes, we proposed that we would marry each other, with his note in my backpack asking for my hand in marriage. While I never got back to him, later looking back, I wish I could have said yes.

Our relationship didn't last long, ending as quickly as it had begun, like fireworks on the 4th of July. But as kindergarten ended and we transitioned into the big kids, it was a dreamy fairytale surrounded by one’s first crush. These are the memories that make us smile even now, reminding us of how young and exciting life can be.

First Grade: Amber McKinney

Amber McKinney was my first crush in first grade or possibly second grade. At such a young age, I was already bewitched by her. The schoolyard conversations about her were not shy; we openly discussed how much we liked her and admired her enticing appearance. My friend even admitted to feeling aroused, albeit in a less polite manner. Despite this, she was still a girl, and her mother's occupation (Coldwell Banker real estate) somehow became a subject of fascination for us. Childhood crushes are innocent and often unfulfilled; hers was no different.

These experiences in childhood, though innocent and brief, are treasures that we carry with us throughout our lives, serving as a nostalgic reminder of love and innocence in the golden years of our youth.