so this is not only a secret, but involves one of, if not THE singularly, most embarrassing moments in my life (so far)…
When I was 10-ish, my aunt started dating a guy with four kids. Two were grown, but the other two were closer to my age. He ended up getting full custody of the girl, but we only ever saw the boy VERY rarely - we’re talking the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and maybe one other random day. I was young, and didn’t really think my aunt and this guy would stay together - so I fell HARD for the son. He was chubby and a few months older than me, but he was sweet and I had a wicked crush.
By the time I was 13, my aunt was still dating his dad, and my crush was only fueled by our infrequent visits. Every once in a while, I thought he might “like” me too. So at one of my cousin’s weddings, the summer after seventh grade, I was looking super “fresh” in my floral dress and racy kitten heel slides (yuck!), I decided to chance it. All night I was nervous, so when he was dancing with one of my older cousins, L, I decided to make my move and cut in. I asked if I could cut in, and L looked confused. She schooled me: “but you’re not dancing with anyone? usually when you cut, you switch partners…?” I was mortified and wanted to run away and cry, but my cousin left me to dance with HIM. It was terrifyingly quiet and I regretted every moment of it.
Years later, he ended up getting really good looking, my family tried to persuade me to date him but I declined, I ended up dating my high school/college BF for way too long. His dad and my aunt got married on my 20th birthday. He danced with me all night at the wedding, and walked me to my car afterward.
Then he went his way and we never talked about it again.
After…17 years of seeing him thrice a year (or less), I’m pleased to have found love elsewhere, and even think the guy may finally be part of my “family”.
And ugh - thank god I never had to explan to anyone how we met!
