A Collection of Mini Love Stories Involving Authenticity in Dating

Today I’m sharing three mini love stories about authenticity in dating.

Lucky for Me, It Was You I Met in That Moment

I met you maybe four years ago. It must have been right after the experience with ceviche, I think. You had a helping heart, and I’m glad it was you I met in that moment. I was trying out authenticity in dating, and it was new for me. It was easier to tell myself I would be unapologetically me than it was to actually be me.

I was like a toddler, trying out some solo steps. Clumsy and uncoordinated. You were like the patient and eager parent, cheering me on.

It ended, gently, and I felt gratitude for the experience we shared.

I’m thinking of you and your big helping heart now. You’re an EMT and you’re on the front lines. I hope you’re safe.

I Wanted to Want You, but I Wanted Him

We went on two dates.
I was interested in someone else at the time,
Romantically.

But I saw you and the incredible value you brought to the world:

In the way you worked to get rural communities
Access to the internet;

In the way you researched various experimental protocols
For your mother’s breast cancer treatment;

In the way you let me
Be myself on those dates.

You were so patient with me.
I wanted to want you,
But I wanted him.

We Wore Masks

We met at Flowers.
It was a Halloween date.
But our only costumes were the masks we wore
To protect ourselves from judgment and
Shame.
I tried to be interested,
Tried the interest on for fit.
You shared a name with one person
I had known and loved.
With him I hadn’t used a mask.

Do you have any mini love stories to share about authenticity in dating? Contact me about writer submissions!