(Updated 9/26/2023)

You’re never too old to have a crush on someone. Trust that. How you handle them will show off your maturity, or lack thereof.

For me, there’s a series of them that I have or had which fit under one key factor. Outside of spoken interests and levels of communication, there’s a lot I don’t know about them as a person. And vice versa.

It’s often their aesthetics, their presentations and styles that draw me in. Yes, at times physical features play a part, but separating the idea of someone from any manufactured fantasy/hopeless romanticism makes a world of difference.

With any level of attraction, things deserve to grow at a steady pace. Acting like someone’s heart is a prize to win is a fast way to get your heart kicked. It can also leave you trying to change who you are to pull in someone you’re still trying to know. If you’re trying at all.

If you like each other enough to go further, go for it. The natural growth to a lasting friendship and/or romance will always be worth the patience preceding it.

Just do your best to not go extra in saying “DAMN, YOU FINE!”

Unless they tell you they like that, then you two have fun!

D.F.