Ambiance Matchmaking Meet Attractive Singles
APPLY
SEARCH
MENU
Ambiance Matchmaking Meet Attractive Singles

First Love: Why It Stays With Us Forever (2025)

The phrase, “You never forget your first love” has become commonplace for a reason. People attach a stronger emotional attachment to their first love than to other relationships. Being in love for the first time has to be one of the most overwhelming, all-consuming human emotions ever felt.

As human beings, we are “feeling junkies.” The intensity of emotion associated with love and heartbreak is sure to have a long-lasting impact on our psyche. This sensation is then correlated with the individual with whom we fell in love. In a TIME report, research shows we don’t really fall in love with a person – we fall in love with how we feel when we’re with them. Feeling excited, stimulated and aroused is often associated with the people around us, even if they’re not the cause.

When I was twenty years old, I fell head-over-heels in love for the very first time. After a few short weeks, the L word was muttered. After three months, he proposed. We stayed together for eighteen months. When it abruptly ended, I was devastated. I couldn’t eat. I couldn't sleep. I didn't want to talk to my friends. I was officially experiencing my first heartbreak.

Then, while on a recent trip to San Francisco, I saw him for the first time since the emotional roller-coaster. It had been eight years.

I felt disoriented. My emotional memory had outweighed my factual memory and I was suddenly transported back to my twenty year old self. I felt excitement and fear in equal portions – both representing my times in love and in heartbreak. And, just as if I was twenty years old again, I couldn’t resist seeing him every night of my trip.

Dr. Kalish is an expert on the topic of lost loves. She conducted the Lost Love Project, a research project consisting of 1001 participants who had loved someone years ago, parted, then five or more years later tried another relationship with that person. The culmination of this research comprises her book, "Lost & Found Lovers: Facts and Fantasies of Rekindled Romance."

The outcome? Two-thirds of the participants reunited with their lovers from when they were younger than seventeen years old had a 78% success rate. Each of these reunions was a continuation of love that was interrupted due to bad timing, moving away from each other, being too young, or another reason.

Carey Goldberg, author of Three Wishes: A True Story of Good Friends, Crushing Heartbreak and Astonishing Luck on Our Way to Love and Motherhood, says, “There is an actual neurological attachment that happens between these individuals.” Research indicates that a teenager may attach to a first love in much the same way as a baby attaches to a mother.

The underlying question to all of this…

If we reconnect with our first love and once again experience being in love, is it because we are, in fact, in love? Or is it because of the neurological attachment formed with this person? The key word in this question is attachment – are we attached to our prior feelings of being in love, or are we indeed still in love with this person?

WE WANT YOUR STORY!

Did you personally experience first love and heartbreak? Did you reconnect with a lost love? We are requesting story submissions for a follow-up article. Please contact us.

Taylor Wade

Taylor is one of the founders of Ambiance Matchmaking. She now dedicates her time to curating content for our community through her podcast and blog. Writing and podcasting is the art of great story-telling. As a relationship writer and editor, she has always sought to capture the reality of the dating experience, full of drama, friction, and joy. The best mind is an open mind, so she specializes in asking questions and approaching a story without preconceptions.

More Blog Articles

The Secret Power of Feminine Energy in Finding (and Keeping) Lasting Love

Feminine energy is often misunderstood. It isn't weakness, passivity, or waiting by the phone. True feminine energy is radiant, powerful, and magnetic.
Read more

Big Dreams, Romantic Horizons: We’re Expanding to Mexico!

Mexico isn't just a beautiful destination; it's a country that breathes love and passion. The vibrant cities, the bustling streets filled with art, music, and laughter, and the warmth of the people make it a perfect place to explore new connections.
Read more

Elite UK Singles: Discover Exclusive Matchmaking (2025)

The United Kingdom has long been home to successful business leaders, philanthropists, creatives, and high-net-worth individuals who value discretion, quality, and authenticity.
Read more

Best First Date Ideas for a Memorable Night (2025)

Choosing the right setting can ease the pressure and create the perfect environment for meaningful conversations and shared experiences.
Read more

How to Choose the Perfect First Date Outfit (2025)

What do you wear to make a killer first impression without looking like you tried too hard? Relax. The secret is simple...
Read more

5 First Date Questions That Create Instant Connection (2025)

First dates can be a mix of excitement and nerves. You’re eager to make a connection but unsure how to get the conversation flowing.
Read more
1 2 3 30
magnifiercrossmenu linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram