Have you ever be on a train or in a cafe or just walking from a place to a place doing things and seen someone? And there’s a heart-stopping moment where the universe decides to just stop and pay attention to you looking and them because they looked back. And that look has all the softness of a shotgun loaded with feathers.
I have. And I have done nothing about it. Because I can’t be sure if my reaction is appropriate. And I feel shame – actual remorse and self-loathing – for not knowing how to act.
Intellectually, that’s an extremely shitty part about being bipolar – having to monitor behaviour for signs of hypomania or depression. It sucks the joy out of every day moments.
But a good friend recently pointed out that acting on a sudden crush is actually 100% appropriate – as long as you act with respect, and respect the person’s response.
So next time you see someone who makes your jaw drop and your heart glitch in your chest, act on it.
Say hi. Smile. Maybe nod. If they do it back, try your hand at small talk. Or just ask them out there and then, what the hell?
And tell me how it goes!