Love Stories…

Dolly Alderton’s podcast, Love Stories fuels my commute, spurs conversations with my friends and inspires me to consider my own love stories. And so… (with a few additions)

A story of first love

Of course, I could tell you about my first long-term relationship, but I’ve written about it so often as it’s a blueprint for subsequent relationships. The love story I want to share as my “first love” is that of my parents. I have always been in love with my parents; not only is their relationship one to admire and aspire to emulate, but also they have supported me and my sisters in such diverse and bountiful ways. Recently, it was their 30th wedding anniversary and they are still very much in love with one another. Being so fortunate to have such a loving relationship as the bedrock of my childhood and early adult life has meant I’m continually seeking out partners who will help build a similar relationship. This has been both a blessing and a curse.

A story of unrequited love

During my early twenties, I fell in love with two people who didn’t love me back. At least, that’s what I thought was the case. These people loved (and still love) me deeply and they hold a very special place in my heart, but my love was unrequited in the way I loved them and they couldn’t reciprocate that kind of love. These people taught me the importance of romantic love within a friendship and this was so beautifully articulated by Vanessa Kirby in Dolly’s podcast when she said, “Put more romance into your friendship and more friendship into your romance.”

Now, I unashamedly put passion into my friendships and endeavour to have a low-maintenance attitude with my partner.