was 24, in my first committed relationship in my life, constantly being ecstatic and confused about how good a relationship could be. I was making moves in my artwork, starting to regularly perform and felt like I was being supported from so many people, but also going through a really tough friend break up.

It was with my current partner, 4 or 5 months after we had started dating. They were always silly around me, but I had just warmed up to them and let myself be stupid and silly and vulnerable around them. We were still figuring out each other’s senses of humor and so it was scary but fun to poke fun at each other in ways that were new and unsure. I’d think that my partner thought this was a “best”, but I’m not sure it would be their first “best” like it was for me.