Frist Love
Each month, we send two former lovers on a date to see what happens
“I’m definitely over it” Brittany, 26, is a pharmacy dispenser from London
At first, I didn’t think Navid was my type – he’s quite flashy and wears a lot of designer brands. We met at university – I was 24 and in my second year studying politics; he was 22, studying pharmacology. As I got to know him, I realised he was different to anyone I’d ever met before – he’s charming and a true gentleman.
I realised I loved Navid when I saw that he always put his family first. I’m very close to mine too, so it was nice that we had such fundamental values in common. Some of my favourite memories were low-key dinners and cinema trips. His flashiness would disappear when we were together.
I did compromise a lot for Navid. At the start, I didn’t know he wanted it to be non-sexual, but then I realised that was important to him, so I was happy to respect his wishes.
We were together for a year and a half. His friends were a big reason why we broke up – most of our arguments were about them having too much input in our relationship. Once I saw a message on Navid’s phone from a friend saying he could do better. He still doesn’t know that I saw it.
I eventually ended it over the phone. I think he secretly wanted to break up as well, but was too cowardly to say it. For me, the fact that his friends’ opinions caused him to doubt our relationship demonstrates that he already had his own concerns. I was angry at the time, but I’m definitely over it. Even now I work in a pharmacy that’s owned by his parents (I got the job when we were together).
I was quite nervous about the date. It was awkward initially, then once we got talking it felt like meeting up with a friend. It was nice to catch up on the developments in each other’s lives. We joked about how his real first love was Nicki Minaj – I can’t help but laugh around him. However, I definitely don’t think there’s a spark there any more.
“I have so much love and respect for her” Navid, 24, is a pharmacist from Rome
Brittany gave me butterflies the first time I saw her. We were sitting in the university library and I decided to go for it and say, “Hi, how are you?” We had an instant connection – I felt like myself around her. It was Brittany’s personality that I fell in love with. She’s outgoing, charismatic and doesn’t care what people think of her. I was bullied at university for the way I dress, but she’d always encourage me and tell me I was unique and amazing. That’s why I still have so much love and respect for her.
Our first date was at an Italian restaurant. I was nervous because I’d never been in a relationship before. I’m proud to say I’m still a virgin. I’m waiting to have sex with that special person – someone I truly love and feel comfortable with.
We didn’t really have arguments, but her friends kept trying to get involved, telling her I was weird and fake. My friends made comments too, but I always defended Brittany – and I’m not friends with them now.
When we broke up over the phone, I suggested we meet up to talk. We decided we were both going on separate paths after university, and that it was better to just be friends.
Before the date, I had palpitations. Brittany looked stunning, and the conversation flowed as we reminisced about old times, but it was more friendly than romantic.
✱ Find out what happened next at Cosmopolitan.com/uk/first-loves. Want to be reunited with your first love? Email us at first.love@ cosmopolitan.co.uk