Ira Glass

So I had all these ideas about love.

And of all the girls I knew, my theories were most intensely targeted at one girl, the most popular girl in school, Karen.

She became my most serious crush.

I carried a torch for Karen from grade one to grade six.

Though Karen didn't seem to like me much, one thing I learned about love on TV was that if one was sincere, love can break all boundaries.

I believed that there would come a moment where I'd speak the words I love you to Karen with such tenderness and tears that it would break her heart and she would cry too and confess her love.

I would allow one brave tear to travel down my cheek.

Now, years later, I'm friends with Karen.

Actual friends with both her and her husband, Alan.

I even worked for him for a while.

Karen and I have talked before about our elementary school days, usually steering the conversation towards how mean she was to me.

But I've never really spoken with her about puppy love.

I wanted to know what she remembered, whether she knew I even had a crush on her at all.

Who are your interests?

We'll go year by year.

Keith, definitely.

Club interest.

Barry Seller.

Lauren Wilter?

Notice who she doesn't mention.