I understand that phrase to mean the person who we either showed no interest in or broke up with, who in retrospect we realize might actually have been a better match for us than we recognized at the time.

I have no very dramatic example of that, but I do think wistfully sometimes about a girl I knew in high school. We always got along with each other very well. We enjoyed each other's company in groups. But it never occurred to me to date her, because I had a crazy notion that you only dated someone if you felt "head over heels in love, with romantic music playing in your head", Hollywood style. Meanwhile, I was beating my head against the wall about another girl, who went out with me sometimes by who clearly did not feel about me the way I did about her, and who was the source of angst about "unrequited love." (As if I knew what love was back then!)

It was only after graduation, and after I was in another relationship (which was a good one while it lasted) that I came to realize what an idiot I had been, putting myself through unnecessary pain. If I had just gone out with her instead, we probably would have dates that were relaxed, filled with laughter, and without the drama. Maybe it never would have turned into anything serious, but hey -- it was just high school. She did not have a boyfriend, and the two of us might have had a happier time during those years than we actually did, even if nothing came of it in the long run.

O those you should just remember how you loved, remember how you love(d) them, let them continue teaching you but you have to let go, they are just part of you now.

She was into all taboo I was and more. We had so much fun. She got a new job and moved away

They loved me for me, and I felt confident enough to be me 100%

But I goofed, sadly

Other than the fact that she gave me two amazing kids nothing I'm glad she got away

Everything

She didn't. I keep her tethered by an invisible thread. One tug will bring her back to me from wherever she may have wandered.

She was a good conversationalist

Good sprinter?

The height of sentiment

Nothing, he was a player, and I was well rid of him

She had taste.

🤔

The fact it took me five years to realize “Oh they were hitting on me!?”

She had a cute butt.