Love at First Sight

I do believe in love at first sight because it has happened to me several times. I know some people think "lust at first sight" is more probable, but that's not what happened in my case. I believe that human sexuality is more fluid than our society gives it credit for. I've always said that I can and do find girls beautiful. I can appreciate an attractive body, a nice smile, or pretty hair. But that doesn't mean I am attracted in a sexual way. So I think I can safely take "lust" off the table when talking about love at first sight.

*It happened to me a handful of years ago. I was visiting a friend in New York City for the week to do some shopping and sight-seeing. A few days into my trip we met some of his friends for wings and beer. So we're sitting in this restaurant laughing away with drinks and appetizers in front of us waiting for the rest of the group to arrive. There were maybe 5 or 6 of us when she walked in. I remember immediately feeling shy as she walked right up to me and introduced herself with a hug, saying she had heard so much about me. And suddenly I was very overwhelmed at her presence; it was all I could do to say hello back. I was blushing furiously and was at a loss for words. I'm hard pressed to find the words to convey even now how I was feeling! I can only describe it as being enthralled by her immensely. I wanted to be near here and hear any and everything she had to say and I wanted her to find me interesting and pretty. But the attraction I felt wasn't a sexual one. It was, however, a very instant and strong one. To this day I remember the feelings clearly, but I can't describe them save for the word "love". Strange, I know!

Another instance happened here in St. John while I was working at Big Planet. If you've never been to the store, it has three levels with the register being on the second floor, so customers have to walk up a stair case to purchase their items. I was behind the counter being my customary silly and talkative self with the customer I was helping. As I was laughing, I noticed a man walking up the stairs with a shirt in his hand. And, as it happened before, my breath caught, my laughter died and I was speechless. I was blushing so fiercely that I felt like a 13 year old with an uncontrollable crush. The man seemed handsome, yet ordinary enough. But his eyes stunned me and I had the strongest feeling that I knew this man, had been with this stranger before, though I am absolutely sure I had never met him. And again, I felt the intense urge to be near him and know him and... And what, I don't know! I remember my co-workers teasing me for my reaction. I was mortified that others were witnessing my obvious astonishment at what I was feeling. I can't recall what we talked about, because we did converse for maybe 10 minutes, but every passing second had me feeling surer and surer that I knew this man. And as the last time, the initial attraction wasn't that of a sensual nature. It was more a feeling of coming home, or recognizing a dear friend or lover after being apart for 20 years.

I'm not even sure describing these encounters as "love at first sight" is appropriate, but I'm not sure how else to characterize it. I do know that this has happened several times in my life. And every time it feels like a shock, then some sort of vague feeling of recognition and then the realization that I feel something very strongly for someone who was a mere stranger moments before. It's such an unsettling feeling when it happens, but also a very delicious, welcoming, warm sense of completion. So odd, but so exhilarating! I wonder what is transpiring when I feel this way. I also wonder if this is something anyone else has experienced... If anyone else has stories of love at first sight I would LOVE to hear about it!!


*I've changed details to protect the privacy of the people in my story.