Right time dating.

Some dates simply happen at the right time. Perhaps that person is not perfect for you, but they stumble into your life at the perfect moment.

This is a more personal note about the time I traded Kurt Cobain for Gandalf.

My first relationship lasted two years. I thought, as everyone else in the universe has, that we would be together for the rest of our lives. Instead, we broke up right before the second half of our high school senior year.

A couple weeks later, I was still an emotional wreck. I was dealing with a breakup and state college calculus. I hadn't had math in the two years I had my first boyfriend. Studying became a nightmare. I needed to pass. I failed my first exam. I walked out of the campus testing center fully prepared to drive the two miles home, blast 90s grunge, and shut down. Until you ran into me. You, the guy who had exchanged "hello" and "what's up" with me since freshman year, but was still a stranger.

You asked me to watch the Lord of the Rings movie with your class in the auditorium. So I traded Kurt Cobain for Gandalf. You became someone I could talk to, and we went on a few dates. You took me to senior prom, a dance that I would have never went to alone. We played on an ultimate frisbee team. We continued to watch Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings in the auditorium on Wednesday nights. You helped me enjoy the rest of high school and I could never thank you enough for that.

I have the fondest memories of those few months. Even today, I smile every time we meet.

My overarching point of the story is this; "right time dating" happens. It doesn't have to occur right after a break-up or other tragedy. The person doesn't have to be the bank for your emotions. He/she could simply boost your self-esteem, broaden your view, or help you grow.