little miss independent falls in love

The following is a little ditty about a phone conversation from September 2004 between a girl named Liz and her friend named Aditi about a boy named Jesse.

L (uncomfortably): So I have a question for you since you're the only girl I know who's been in a relationship for a while. How do you know when you're in love?

A: I don't know. You just know. It's just these feelings and you just know.

L: I thought you were gonna say that. I'm gonna need a little more than...

A (interrupting): Ok, ok. Why don't you just describe how you feel about Jesse?

L: In words?

A: Yeah. Talk it out.

L (with trepidation): Umm...ok. Well...I think about him like ALL the time. I get really excited when I see or talk to him. You know, like mad, crazy butterflies in my stomach. I love to hear about his day.

A: uh-huh.

L: And when he has a bad day, it really bothers me. It makes me sad when he's sad. I want him to have nothing but good days.

A: yeah.

L: And he's just so sweet and kind and I just want to hold him in my arms and protect him from all the bad in the world. I don't want him to feel any pain or hurt of any kind.

A (with anticipation): yes, I totally know the feeling.

L: I just want him to be happy, more than I want me to be happy. And I want to be the one that makes him happy, happier than he's ever been.

A (squealing): Oh my God, Liz. I think you know.

L (very nervous): OH MY GOD. I love Jesse?

A (excitedly): Yes, Liz. You're in love!!!

L (slowly): oh. my. God. (with certainty) I DO love Jesse!!!!
So this is what love feels like. Wow.



It's been two years and you still give me butterflies. You've made me happier than I've ever been. I love you, Jesse. Happy anniversary!!!