I grew up a nerd at school. Never been interested in boys – at least I didn’t admit to be – until very, very late into my teenage years.
While the popular girls were having puppy-love boyfriends and playing the dating field by 15, my first real date with a boy was when I was 18. I had no clue it was meant to be a date at the time. Perhaps it really wasn’t. It was supposed to be a group outing but in the end we were the only ones who showed up. So I guess it still counts? Otherwise, I would have to say my first real date was a year later when I was 19!!
Most of my girl friends have boyfriends by then. And when my mom noticed that I was more interested in watching TV than going out, she started asking, ”Shouldn’t you be out enjoying your youth dating or something? You mean nobody is asking you out?!!” and other questions of the like.
It made me nervous and doubt myself. I was feeling insecure as her words sink in. Really, nobody asked me. Nobody was interested. And I started to get more insecure. Being a typical teenager and all. Um….being 19 is still considered being a teen right….? *blush*
That was the phase where I start to long for a boyfriend too, like how my friends have one each! Longing and dreaming to have someone I can call my boyfriend.
Fast forward 10 years, I am now in a steady relationship with Terry. My um….boyfriend.
Ironically, when I need to introduce him to anyone nowadays, I find referring him as my “boyfriend” very awkward…..bordering embarassing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not Terry whom I am embarrassed of, it’s the word “boyfriend”. Somehow it sounds so juvenile. Like I am too old to have a boyfriend. Do you ever feel that way?
Thank goodness for formalities in forms, I get to fill him in as my “partner” in the status column. You know, the part where you tick either single, married, divorced or partner? That gives me the option to use “partner” instead of “boyfriend” when introducing him. The grown-up version. I am much more comfortable with that term.
But then there are those who assume by “partner”, I meant “husband” and start referring Terry as my husband! Back to square one….awkward! I honestly don’t know how to react to that….yet. How do I politely correct them without further awkward follow-ups of ”When are you getting married?” or “Why are you not married yet?”
