Garrett Schlichte was exactly twice the age of his sister. When he was 28 and his sister was 14, she would dish to him on the phone about her teenage love life. But the feelings she was experiencing — like electric attraction and aching jealousy — were unfamiliar to Garrett. When he was a queer, closeted teenager, Garrett turned to romantic comedies to grasp the emotions of a real-life relationship. While his sister could revel in her teenage crushes, he had suppressed his like a secret.
In today’s episode, we listen to Garrett’s essay about missing out on the thrills and challenges of young love — and what he has yet to learn. Then, we hear a Tiny Love Story about a woman who longs to get closer to someone who has grown emotionally distant.
Our 34-Year Age Gap Didn’t Matter, Until It Did
Author Read: Two Boys on Bikes, Falling in Love
Two Boys on Bikes, Falling in Love
Author Read: He Cared About Me, So I Broke Up With Him
He Cared About Me, So I Broke Up With Him
Did I Fail as a Parent?
Author Read: My Sweaty Revenge
My Sweaty Revenge
I Wrote This Essay, but Then Changed My Mind
Author Read: What Does It Mean to Be a Kept Woman?
What Does It Mean to Be a Kept Woman?
Author Read: Don’t Hide in the Bathroom Stall
Don’t Hide in the Bathroom Stall
Author Read: Have You Ever Kept a Secret From Your Wife?
Have You Ever Kept a Secret From Your Wife?
I Needed David Schwimmer’s Help
Essay Read: I Had To Stop Asking Why
Essay Read: How I Lost the Fiancé But Won the Honeymoon
How I Lost the Fiancé But Won the Honeymoon
My Invisible Husband
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