As muddled as my mind was for most of high school, some things began to become clear during those years. First and foremost, the idea that, among my peers, I was actually a worthwhile person began to creep in. That was mostly due to finally shedding the destructive crush of years prior and finding the… Continue reading Sparks of Realization and Self-Respect
Category: How to Crush
Looking Ahead to Looking Back
In just over a week, I have a high school reunion coming up. Since my class has never been a group to do anythingn quite the normal way, it’s a 16 year reunion. (We really did try for the typical 5, 10 and 15 year ones, but never quite pulled it all together–one of the… Continue reading Looking Ahead to Looking Back
20-minute Metro Crush (May 16/17 Edition)
I didn’t see her get on the train because of the inebriated college kids bouncing around, taking swigs of Bailey’s being offered by the Hispanic guy they almost got into a fight with. Between the posturing and half-hearted restraint, I caught a glimpse of her. She was half a train car away, cozy in the… Continue reading 20-minute Metro Crush (May 16/17 Edition)
Hump Day Crush: Distractions
When things get bad in our lives, it’s common to seek distractions. If our school life is bad, we dive into recreational activities. If our home life is bad, we focus more on friends or school. If our relationships are bad… well, we do whatever we can to not address them. Crushes are prime candidates… Continue reading Hump Day Crush: Distractions
Falling and Missing the Ground
High school and middle school were tough for me. Or, at least, for the person I was then. Toughened and nearly defeated by four years of mostly total (“No I will not go out with you. Please go away.”) and partial rejection (“Oh the movies, right, uh, sure I’ll go with you, but my friend… Continue reading Falling and Missing the Ground
Leading up to V-Day
Kicking off with Wednesday’s Hump Day Crush, there’s going to be a lot of talk here about Romance and Relationships. Yeah, yeah, I know. You’re all saying “But isn’t that what goes on over at WithoutBeingCrushed.com, anyway?” The short answer is: Yes. But I’m going to dig down and haul out some stories I haven’t… Continue reading Leading up to V-Day
Hump Day Crush: Ten Years ‘Alone’
As of just a few days ago, I have been officially single for an even decade. When I mention that in passing, many people look at me incredulously and ask how I can be alone for that long. The simple answer (which leaves many just confused) is that I’m not alone and haven’t been alone.… Continue reading Hump Day Crush: Ten Years ‘Alone’