Co-written with my AI sidekick, Andrew (aka ChatGPT).
Listen. I’m about to confess something that still makes me cringe to this day—but I also kind of love it? It’s weird. Let’s unpack it.
Back in high school, I had this huge crush on a football player.
He was a linebacker—so not the chiseled, magazine-cover kind of football player. He was… a solid dude. Bigger. A gentle-giant but still super sexy kind of vibe. If I had to describe it in the nicest way: he had a cuddly linebacker build, and I thought that made him even better for what I was about to request constantly.
Hugs.
So many unsolicited, chaotic, teenage girl hugs.
Yes, I was that girl. The one who’d walk right up to the guy I liked—sometimes with my sister or a friend in tow—and be like:
“Can I have a hug?”
(Pause for the cringe. I’ll wait.)
***
It didn’t happen just once. I don’t know how many times I did it, and frankly, I don’t want to know. I just know it was a thing. And what makes it even better (read: worse) is that we’d often bring a camera with us—because apparently it wasn’t just about the hug. It was about memorializing the hug. With a side photo.
The result? A weird photo album of me awkwardly side-hugging the guy I had a crush on while someone (usually my sister) snapped the pic like we were posing for an engagement shoot.
**Was It Creepy? A Little.
Was It Iconic? Also Yes.**
Now that I look back, I realize the vibes were very “I don’t get hugged at home” and also very “you’re kind of famous and I’m that weird fan who’s emotionally unwell.” But here’s the thing:
High school football players were basically celebrities.
They were already being swarmed by cheerleaders, complimented by teachers, worshipped by underclassmen… We were just adding to the ambiance.
And honestly? I’m pretty sure that had to have made their egos explode.
Not only did they have their athlete clout, but now here comes a awkward hoodie-wearing girl with tragic tweezed-to-nothing half brows saying, “Excuse me sir, can I get a quick cuddle for the road?”
You’re welcome.
Where Did That Confidence Go?
What kills me is that now, as an adult, I get nervous sending a text.
But back then?
I was marching up to my crush like I was collecting Pokémon hugs.
Zero hesitation. Full eye contact. Boldness at max volume.
I need that version of me back.
Even if she was a little cringe and didn’t understand personal space…
She was fearless.
If you’re reading this and you are that guy:
You’re welcome for the ego boost.
You’re also welcome for the free paparazzi service.
Also, I’m sorry my dude.
🏈