Ah, the early 2000s [1]. If you were lucky enough to grow up during those happenin' few years, you understand so many things that others never will — especially when it comes to falling in love for the first time [2]. Like how burning a CD for them that had the most romantic playlist [3] was a cornerstone in your young relationship. Or how driving around while listening to music was your favourite way to think about them when you weren't together. Or maybe it was giving them a shout-out in your outgoing voicemail message when that was still a thing (remember that?!).
First loves and first heartbreaks always stay with you, and if they happened in the early 2000s when technology was just starting [4] to become part of everyday lives, you were able to enjoy the innocence of it all (we're willing to bet you saved all the notes you and your first love wrote to each other). Keep reading for 27 things you'll definitely understand about falling in love for the first time in the early 2000s, but be warned: you'll feel very nostalgic when you're done.
Constantly Writing Notes to Each Other in School
You probably had a contest going to see who could write more notes to the other person. You also still probably have a lot of those old notes in a box in your room.
Staying Up All Night Talking on the Phone Until You Fell Asleep
"No, you hang up first."
Having Your Friends Talk to Their Friends to Relay Messages
Wishing You Could Get Matching Walkie Talkie Cell Phones
In addition to constantly calling each other and writing notes, you wanted to also be able to chat via the very cool walkie talkie feature on the Nextel phones.
Driving Around with Your Friends Listening to Music and Thinking About Them
Every single song made you smile and feel giddy.
Showing Up at a House Party Together Felt Like a *BiG* Deal
Relating to the Drama on Laguna Beach
You totally related to the love triangle revolving around "StePHEN!" You also frequently said "It's DUNZO!" when talking about your own latest breakup (before you inevitably made up again).
Driving Around to Get Alone Time Away From Your Parents
Perfectly Coordinating Your Dress and Their Tie For School Dances
Decorating the Inside of Your Locker With Pictures of Them/You Two Together
Trying to Sneak Kisses in Between Classes Without Your Teachers Seeing
3-Way Calling Them and Your Friends to Find Things Out
Were they mad at you? Did they have a crush on someone else? You.Needed.To.Know.
Putting Them First in Your MySpace Top 8
Watching Romantic Movies Together While Cuddling on the Couch
*Major* butterflies when they held your hand under the blanket. And *major* buzzkill when your parents kept checking on you every 10 minutes.
The Notebook Seriously F*cking You Up When It Came Out
You definitely promised each other your childhood love would last because of this movie.
Sneaking Over to Each Other's Houses Past Your Curfews and Having Deep Talks Outside
Wearing Their Letterman Jacket or Spare Jersey
During home games, you wore their away jersey and were so proud to rock their number.