People often say that first love is the purest. For some, it’s just a cherished memory, but for others, it becomes a lifelong bond. Whatever the outcome, stories of first love are always compelling.

I fell in love with a classmate but couldn’t work up the courage to tell her. Instead, I teased her, trying to get her attention. On graduation day, I made a thoughtless joke that left things on a sour note. After that, I moved to another city, finished college, and tried dating, but none of it felt right.

Five years later, my classmates organized a reunion. When I saw her there, she looked more beautiful than ever. Impulsively, I did the craziest thing—I proposed to her in front of everyone. She said yes, leaving our friends in shock.

Later, I found out she had loved me too. Now, we’re happily married, with two wonderful children, and we recently celebrated our tenth anniversary. We love each other more every day, though I sometimes regret the years we spent apart.