First love

Each month, we send two former lovers on a date to see what happens

Nasia, 31, is an actor living in London

When I first saw Nikolaos I thought he was so cool. I loved how he dressed – like a skater boy with messy hair – and his knowledge of music and books impressed me. I grew up in Greece and we first met when we joined the same high-school drama class – I was 16, he was 17. We lived in the same area so started walking home together. We were friends but would always flirt, and one evening he made the first move to kiss me when we were looking out over views of Thessaloniki.

Even though it was the first time either of us had been in a relationship, Nikolaos was very romantic. I loved fairies and elves, so one day he came to my house when I was out and left a collection of fairy books and a cute letter as a surprise. That’s when I knew I loved him.

We were carefree and adventurous, camping on Greek islands for days at a time without any electricity. We were young, though, and argued over silly things, like me hanging out with male friends. We eventually split after a year. I can’t even remember the reason why now, as so much time has passed, but we both cried as we said goodbye. I moved to London in 2012, and five years later, Nikolaos did too. We’d stayed in vague contact on social media and he called me to say he’d moved, but our lives have remained separate.

Seeing Nikolaos on the date was awkward at first, but we warmed up and discussed our careers and other relationships. We reminisced about our time together, but in a friendly way. I don’t think it’s something we’d ever start again.

“I can’t remember why we broke up”

I’d just started at a new school when I met Nasia. I remember sitting with my friends during break time and seeing her walk past. She walked really confidently and that caught my attention. I thought she was attractive, but my interest grew as I got to know her. We both dreamed of becoming actors and bonded while working on plays at school.

We’d walk home after class together and every day we’d watch the sun set over the sea from the top of a hill. About a month after we’d met, I realised there was something romantic between us.

Nasia and I spent a lot of time together, going camping on beaches near where we lived and even working together at a summer camp for kids. But we’d argue a lot. When you’re young and immature, you get hurt by simple things that, in hindsight, weren’t a big deal. Eventually, I suggested breaking up because I felt like our relationship had run its course. At first, I thought it was the right decision, but then I started missing her.

On the date, we still had that natural connection. We just get each other. It wasn’t awkward. We had a laugh, she told me about her other boyfriends, and we spoke about our individual plans for the future. We’re definitely not bitter exes, but I do only try to remember the good parts of our relationship, rather than the bad.

“There’s still a connection between us” Nikolaos, 31, is an actor living in London