by Alicia Gonzalez

Created on: April 23, 2009   Last Updated: April 24, 2009

I have one first date that will forever play out in my head like a recurring, pleasant dream. He was attractive, sweet and very, very nervous. Before going into the first date, I will quickly fill you in with how we met.

I ran into a friend at the mall. He had a friend with him who I could tell was very attracted to me. The feeling was mutual. I guess the mall was giving away boyfriends for free. A day or so later my friend that I had ran into called me and said that his friend that was with him wanted my number and that I should be expecting a call. I received the call the next day and I could instantly tell he was shy. Before ending the awkward conversation, we agreed to go on a date.

The next day we went out for ice cream. He had beautiful eyes and when he looked at me, I did feel those butterflies that you so often hear about. We talked about our lives and what we liked to do. He often stumbled over his words, but I could tell it was his nervous flaw rather than a speech problem. When we were finished, he asked if he could throw away my garbage. I thought that was sweet. We continued our first date at the park. As we walked side by side, his hand brushed mine. He immediately moved his hand.

I could tell that it was accidental and that he was now having a conversation with himself in his head, "Does she know that was an accident? Does she think I was trying to hold her hand? Maybe I should hold her hand." We stopped at a bench and sat facing the water. I was still nervous but happy. He jokingly asked if I wanted to go for a swim. He grabbed my hand and acted as though he was going to pull me up so we could take a swim. We both laughed. His hand was soft and I could still feel his touch even though he no longer had my hand. I could have sat there with him all day. We walked slowly to his car and he opened the door for me like a gentleman. The way back home was silent from time to time, but it was no longer awkward. We were both content. When dropping me off, he told me he had a nice time and that he hoped we would see each other again. I told him he would and we hugged. His scent was appealing and I felt safe in his embrace.

We went on many dates after that and were together for two years. Those butterflies I felt on our first date continued to flutter every time I saw him. He had even proposed. I loved him. In fact, I think I still do. However, even love couldn't conquer the problems that we began to face. I just couldn't be with him anymore. I don't ever regret dating him, and I would never take back that first date either. I still run into him from time to time. When I do, I still feel the flutter.

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