Sometimes the person you think is flirting with you is just being friendly. Sometimes those coffee dates aren’t dates at all. And sometimes, the best thing that can happen is nothing happening at all.
This is the story of Fae Duston, a Junior at Southern Utah University, and dates with a guy that nearly developed into something more, but ended out exactly as it was supposed to.
It all started in a darkroom photography class during Duston’s first semester at SUU. During their first critique, both Duston and this guy presented pieces with similar themes on belonging and individualism.
“We kinda locked eyes and smiled,” Duston shared. “It felt like a spark to me, and from then on, we worked together on every project and shared supplies.”
They spent hours in the darkroom during lab time, helping each other develop photos and what was a classic classmate quickly evolved into something that felt like more. He would bring Duston Red Bulls and coffee, with a little pink bow every time, knowing it was her favorite color.
They continued their routines for months and eventually started hanging out outside of class.
“He cooked me pasta in the on-campus dorm kitchen, we went to Zion together and made plein-air paintings after a hike,” Duston explained. “He even made me a pair of pink pajama pants for Christmas.”
The thoughtful gestures, quality time and homemade gifts all seemed to add up to something romantic.
“I definitely liked him a lot, and I thought he liked me in the same way,” confessed Duston. “It was a comfortable feeling where there weren’t any labels or anything, but we were there for each other and hung out pretty much every day.”
Then, after six months, everything changed while playing Mario Kart. Duston explained that when they were playing, he got a phone call and he sounded concerned. After it, he asked him what was wrong and he said his boyfriend was stuck in the mud with some friends on a trip.
“I think I hid my shock well, but I was definitely surprised,” admitted Duston.
At that moment, she realized the relationship she assumed they had was not real.. She didn’t say anything. She chose to let it pass, and this decision was actually for the best.
“To be honest, looking back, I’m glad I never made any bold moves because that rejection would have been super awkward,” said Duston. “Plus, I’m a lesbian now, so it would have been doomed to fail. I’m grateful for all of the free drinks and good memories.”
After their first year, he transferred out to attend a vet school up north and to be with his boyfriend.
“I hope they’re super happy together and that I find my person someday too,” added Duston.
When asked what advice she would give to other students for a lasting relationship, Duston talked about communication.
“Ask people about their relationships before assuming you have something,” she said. “Put labels on it if that’s comfortable for you. Nothing is ever as it seems, but things can always turn out for the better.”
Happy Valentine T-Birds!
Author: Fanny Felixine
Editor: Heather Turner
Photos by Adobe Stock
life@suunews.net
