The thing about crushes is that they typically do not last long. They are brief, often sudden, intense feelings of liking. Having a crush on someone is completely normal. We usually do not talk about those crushes, because they might seem embarrassing. However, our crushes, in a way, shape who we are and even let us know what we really like or look for in a person, be it beauty or brains or both!

I had a middle school crush on this Hispanic girl who was both. She was in my algebra and history classes. I could not stop staring at her, the genuine smile and the cute freckles she wore, which lit up the entire classroom. She had a beauty mark, a mole right on her philtrum, below her nose and above her mouth, which made her all the more flawless. I might have gotten arrhythmia every time she talked to me.

She was one of those things that made my middle school more bearable. It is sad to say that she moved to Texas and has a boyfriend. I never heard from her again, but those are crushes for you. Here are several crushes you will make or have made already:

1. Celebrity crush

Admit it. You had to rewind that one movie scene, so you could ogle at that one actor or actress’ smile and listen to him or her say that one line, which was music to your ears. You might also have skipped a few pages on that sports magazine just so you could admire their sense of style or fashion, their masculinity or femininity.

2. That one teacher or mentor

You probably remember being his or her favorite student. It’s only obvious that you gave him or her a present on Valentine’s Day or Teacher Appreciation Week. You might have asked some stupid questions to make them laugh or sat in front of class to show them how much you appreciate them for being there, helping you towards your career/future goals.

3. That one follower on social media

He or she has finally accepted your request. It seems like the best day ever. What could possibly go wrong? You literally have been waiting for him or her to follow you back. Everything’s perfect. He or she is perfect…until you end up being blocked or unfollowed. I hate to break it to you, but there are some cold people out there.

4. That one person you always see in class but never talk to

Unless you are working on a group project with them, then of course, you have to talk. He or she might not notice you right away, but if you approach them and say something nice, then maybe you will have his or her attention. Kindness is free and you should always try to brighten someone else’s day even if they do not need it. Words can be used as weapons, but they can also be used for good―to heal people.

5. That guy or girl who works behind the counter

It might have been at the bar, at the coffee shop, or even at the supermarket. They caught your eyes. You just had to tell them that they look good. And if you are lucky enough, you might have gotten their phone number. But then it turns out that they are taken, so you are stuck in the friend zone.

6. That stranger on the train

Anything can happen. You might have commuted to work one day and end up eyeing someone who you find really attractive. You just had to say hi and the rest is history. But if they are tourists, then I wish you good luck with that one. Dating department’s closed unless you can do long distance relationships.

7. That one person who you first hated but then end up liking

The feelings are mutual. You might have hated them because of the way they treated you, but then they become so nice all of a sudden and you find out that they also have a crush on you since forever. You know what they say, love your enemies. So this might be one of those unexpected horror stories that turn out to be love stories.

8. Yourself

Who else can like you better than yourself? In the end, you only have you to take care of yourself. How many selfies do you have on your phone? How many times do you look at yourself in the mirror? Your undeniable crush on yourself may seem narcissistic at first, but then you realize, you truly appreciate and love yourself more than anyone else ever could. A crush does not have to be romantic; it can be a sure sign of personal growth and finding yourself in this world.