In an increasingly complex world, staying connected to each other can be challenging, hence the goal of this newsletter is to provide you with practical ideas through shared captures of French life bonding moments, and more.
How it began - First exchanges
Today, I would like to share, and you are sure to find resonances with your own respective experiences.
While now considered wrongly outdated, the art of composing a crush letter retains its allure, and undeniable freshness of awkwardness. The act of penning these few lines already fills me with a distinctive elation and an all-necessary clumsiness. It is easy to find oneself swept away in the process.
The story began over a classic coffee with three or four colleagues, early morning. The handsome friend had joined the company a couple of months earlier and already seemed at ease with his surroundings. His approach to newcomers is to be admired for he comfortably considers opinions, grasps concepts, and brings people closer.
Facing with novel situations, diverse personalities, and the resulting dynamics - as the arrival of a newbie -, and once the initial niceties exchanged, he effortlessly follows up with some question. But these are no ordinary inquiries. His questions are lightning-fast yet deeply thoughtful, the striking philosophical kind you might only pose in the midst of a lively discussion at a party. - ones that would make you ponder ‘Did I hear that correctly ?’. In all respects, his questions have a knack for breaking the ice and introducing a convivial, airy tone.
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How it went - The afterwork
He expresses himself and converses ridiculously well, on top of being welcoming to those around him. At the afterwork as well as around a good old-fashioned fry-up. He can hold his own on any topic, sprinkled with eclectic tidbits. On one of such occasion, he elaborated there used to be a dedicated number one could dial only to know the exact international time. And in his company, such quirky revelations always seemed to inspire wonder.
My senses are always heightened and finely tuned when in his presence. He possesses an eye for detail, demonstrates assured adaptability, and has a tempting presence on the dance floor. Once, he confided about his struggles during the Covid isolation period, which he spent alone, in his room. And with those words, he gives you one of those soulfully-calibrated gazes... He's got something special, something furious. And there I stand, facing him, facing sun, spellbound, nearly choking on my drink.
He was the first one to hit the dance floor, effortlessly drawing onlookers in. Seamlessly transitioning from commercial tunes to closing French songs, he finished, a beer in hand, his green shirt casually unbuttoned over a white tee, appearing delightfully relaxed and in high spirits. He exuded afterwork afterglow.
Soon his birthday will take place. We'll be celebrating his fiery 25, they say. Can't wait.
It would have been better said in French - Hope he won’t read it
This crush note was written in French last year, around this time. Originally, it was crafted as an anonymous letter intended for elderly residents of nursing homes, aimed at providing them company and tranquil entertainment. For discussing crushes is famously universal, and there is no risk of them spreading the word.
Why post this note today ? Well, initially, I expressed my reluctance to share personal life stories. However, in hindsight, I realize sharing some details of one’s personal life makes the writing more readable - relatable and practical - and give it its full flavor and savor. Plus, remaining anonymous for now provides a sense of security.
In any case, some of the delicate nuances of the original text may have been lost in translation from French to English. Meaning the subtle playfulness and fine preciosity of French wording may have been flattened and diluted. And, achieving mastery of poesy as a non-native English speaker might take some time. If ever.
✍️ I would love to know…
If you develop crushes in your daily life or unexpectedly ?
Is expressing these thoughts easier in your mother tongue ?