We’ve been told that expectation is the root of all heartache, but our naïve hearts continue to pine for that Disney fantasy. While we have rom-coms, Nicholas Sparks, and Ryan Gosling to blame, it’s usually ourselves who preserve these unrealistic expectations. Hey girl, wake up! Even the real Prince Charming (I’m looking at you, Harry Styles) isn’t perfect.
1. First Time You Meet a.k.a. “The Meet-Cute”
Expectation: You meet The One at a bookstore, train station, or at a Starbucks line. He has the last copy of the book you wanted to buy and the conversation is so good or there’s heated tension right away. The plot thickens…
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Reality: “Haaaaave you met Ted?”
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2. First Time He Makes A Move
Expectation: He knows exactly what to say to make you smile and say "yes."
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Reality: *Beep* “Hey what are your plans today?” *Beep* “There’s this cool new restaurant that just opened!” *Beep* “Oh really? So you’re going to Carla’s party?” *Beep* Cool. (You’re not quite sure if he’s asking you out…)
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3. First Time He Texts
Expectation: Your phone will be ringing all day from the cute #selfies, cat videos and witty replies that he sends throughout the day. He calls you with no agenda. He just wants to hear your voice.
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Reality: You’ve got (no) mail.
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4. First Date
Expectation: You’ll spend the evening dancing in the moonlight and saying, “Me too!” to everything he says. He comes prepared with a story about your six smiles too. Awww, how Win A Date With Tad Hamilton of him!
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Reality: You don’t have that much time, energy, or money to meet at an epic spot (top of the Empire State Building!), watch a concert and go ice skating all in one night. Not to be a killjoy here, but reality (your curfew!) makes it really hard for you to be at two places at once.
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5. First Kiss
Expectation: He walks up to you, tucks your strand of hair behind your ear, and kisses you. You both just flossed.
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Reality: Sometimes, it just happens. No Ed Sheeran music playing in the background, no spaghetti in between you guys, no magic carpet ride. You both just had cheeseburgers.
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6. First Time You Say “I love you”
Expectation: Just like the cute, clumsy heroine in rom-coms, you will come up with a charming declaration of your love.
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Reality: “I…um, yeah…I love…yaaaahhhhh.”
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7. First Fight
Expectation: Your sweet, thoughtful guy will wow you with a romantic gesture after the inevitable third-act fight. For example: He will rush through NAIA to stop your plane and declare his undying love. The whole airport claps in delight. Really? REALLY???
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Reality: Sure, there may be exceptions to the rule, but most guys tend to express their love in less dramatic, public ways. Sometimes, he doesn’t even know what he did wrong.
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8. First Valentine’s Day Together
Expectation: He knows exactly what you want, and he will surprise you with a serenade of your favorite One Direction song and shower you with gifts!
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Reality: He has no idea what to do.
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9. First Time He Sees You Without Make-up #NoFilter
Expectation: “He’s going to freak out if he visits me while I’m sick!”
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Reality: He doesn’t even notice you forgot to put on mascara. ***FLAWLESS
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10. First Heartache
Expectation: It’s the end of the world!
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Reality: Reality isn’t as bad as you expected it to be. You’re still alive, your dog still loves you, and there’s still that Calculus test you have to pass. Step away from the razor. No need to get that pixie cut.
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11. First Time You Date Again
Expectation: There’s so many fish in the sea!
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Reality: Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall never be disappointed.
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12. First Year Of Couplehood
Expectation: Photobooth #selfies? Check. Picnic dates? Check. Singing a duet during long car rides? Check. Life is like that 5-minute rom-com montage!
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Reality: The honeymoon stage of the relationship doesn’t last (sigh!). Sure, you miss all the attention and kilig, but people evolve. Remember: Your relationship might not have all the Hollywood plot twists, but it can definitely take you to your own ever after. Take it away, Ryan.
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Tell us about your relationship firsts in the comments, Candy Girls, or tweet us @candymagdotcom. We always love hearing from you. :)
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