First love
Each month, we send two former lovers on a date to see what happens
“I fell in love straight away” Ysella, 20, is a student from Cornwall
The first message I received from Luke was a fireman GIF, saying I was hot! It was July 2016 – I’d just turned 17 and he was 18. We had mutual friends but had never met when we started speaking on Facebook. We arranged a date quickly – but five minutes before we were due to meet up, he cancelled, saying he had other plans. I was annoyed, but he made it up to me. Our first real date was at a beach restaurant. We ate, then spent ages walking and chatting. I fell in love that night.
Despite his “bad boy” reputation, Luke was sweet to me. He helped me through my A-level stress, taking me swimming or kayaking when I was struggling. We did argue a lot – mostly due to jealousy – but I think we liked arguing because it made the sex amazing.
A month in, I found out that Luke had cheated on me at a festival. I gave him a second chance but, a year later, there were rumours he’d done it again. I never found out the truth. Shortly after that, we both went to university in Gloucester. Although we were in the same place, we didn’t see each other as often and there was too much temptation for us both. I ended it in January 2018. We got back together briefly in the summer, but
I cheated on holiday and called it quits for good when I got home. It was the first time I’d seen Luke cry.
On the date, I thought Luke seemed more mature as he’s focused on his career. There was definitely some sexual tension, too…
“I don’t think we ever stopped loving each other” Luke, 21, is a student from Cornwall
I didn’t know Ysella when I first messaged her on Facebook – her pictures attracted me to her. When we met up, we got on so well; she was funny and we had instant banter. I was 18 and hadn’t had a serious relationship before, but as soon as we met I knew I wanted more than just a casual hook-up.
Ysella and I were young so we couldn’t afford to go on fancy dates. But we’d always have fun, going to the beach, having picnics and swimming. A year in, we went on holiday to Croatia, doing wild things like cliff jumping. It felt like a big step towards a real, grown-up relationship. I told her I loved her two months in after a night out when we were cuddled up on the sofa, hungover.
We’d argue a lot over silly things, like not giving each other enough attention. We broke up for good after two years. I don’t think our feelings disappeared – we just stopped making the effort to see one another as often at university. I didn’t want things to end but, in hindsight, it helped me grow up and realise how immature I’d been. We needed life experience away from each other.
I wasn’t really sure about going on the date, but I’m glad I went. We reminisced over the good times and didn’t dwell on the bad ones. I don’t think we ever stopped loving each other. Want to be reunited with your first love? Email us at first.love@cosmopolitan.co.uk