I had the girl of my dreams in high school. She was everything I was looking for – female and interested in me.

There likely were other females that were interested in me, but I was blindingly focused in high school. Not with my classes, but with making sure I could get out of the house.

I was in a variety of clubs. I helped out with athletic events and would just hang out in the gym. I’ll always regret not running cross county, but I was in the weight room. I was usually found by the coach’s office, killing time with whoever came by.

So I wasn’t paying the type of attention I clearly should have been. But it wasn’t until it was presented on a platter that I actually took notice. To this day, I can’t remember how it started, but it did and it was glorious.

And I’m embarrassed how I found a way to end that relationship.

Instead of a summer of exploration before she left for college, I composed a letter that declared my belief in my teammates and their opinions over my best interest.

High school is about the only time in life that that would even be a consideration because as one gets older, you realize that the first person you should concern yourself with is staring at you in the mirror.

However, it’s important to still show a willingness to put that man in the mirror second at times for the betterment of others, whether that’s holding the door for a stranger or providing family members with money.