If you fall for a late bloomer, don’t worry, because they aren’t as innocent as you think. They have the dirtiest minds in the world. They’re definitely not naive.
Late bloomers might not have been in relationships of their own, but they know the ins and outs of dating. For years, they’ve watched as their friends flirted and got asked out to dinner and had one-night stands.
They didn’t learn from experience — but they did learn vicariously.
They’ve watched their friends make millions of mistakes, and since they were on the outside, they were able to see the situation clearly and determine what should have been done differently. They were able to grow from afar.
They’ve waited years to find someone worth their time — so there’s no chance of them settling inside or outside of the bedroom. They’ve built up the idea of love in their head, which means they aren’t going to accept anything less than the best.
So if a late bloomer chooses to date you, you know you’re special.
Each moment with them will feel meaningful, because they aren’t used to holding hands or sharing straws or cuddling in bed. Every little thing will be a milestone to them.
That’s why your relationship will feel like fire. The little things that you took for granted in old relationships will become fun again.
Don’t underestimate a late bloomer. Most of the time, no one even realizes that they’re a late bloomer. When they admit that they’ve never been asked on a date or seen someone naked, no one believes them.
But you’re so pretty. But you’re so sweet. But anyone would be lucky to have you.
That’s what they commonly hear, because there’s nothing wrong with them. There’s nothing different about them. They just haven’t found their person. Their path is just a little longer than their friends’ paths.
Of course, there have been times when they felt like they were screwed up. When they’ve called themselves forever alone.
They’ve considered the possibility of being single until the day of their death — and they were okay with it. They’re independent. They’re strong. They’re perfectly fine on their own.
That’s the thing about late bloomers. They don’t need you. They’ve learned to live without love. So if they choose to be with you, it’s because they’re serious about you. Because they believe you’re worth all the risks.
Late bloomers aren’t what you imagine they are. They aren’t moping around in their pajamas, wondering why nobody wants them. They’re okay with the way their life turned out. They’re used to being single.
So don’t you dare feel pity for them. Don’t you act like you’re superior — because you aren’t. Having experience doesn’t mean you’re smarter than they are. It doesn’t mean you’re better than them.
It might take a late bloomer a little while to get adjusted to dating you, because the idea is so new to them, but they’re just as loving as anyone else. Just as giving and kind and compassionate – -maybe even more so.
So if a late bloomer loves you, you better take a chance on them.
By Holly Riordan for ThoughtCatalog