Thursday, December 1, 2011

Braceface: The Girlfriend

So, I'd like to happily share that I met a really amazing guy who actually really likes this braceface. Just proof that life doesn't stop with a metal mouth. It does, however, make life a little more interesting. So, who cares if people think he's my dad when we are out together because I look 14. (ok, I'm exaggerating, we are the same age). But I swear I got a bigger scoop of sorbet the other night because the girl behind the counter had braces. With a new guy comes meeting lots of new friends and family. And of course, those friends and family are all about sizing up the new girl.

Conversation in car on way to every new meeting...
me: You did tell them I have braces, right?
him: Ummm, I don't remember.
me: (panic) What do you mean?!
him: I don't remember, if I said anything. You know, your braces aren't a big deal.
me: (quiet panic)

I always think that whenever I meet these people they think "Oh... Poor guy, dating a girl with braces."   Yes, I know it's all in my head! (maybe)

Bottom line... I found a perfect guy even with all this hardware in my mouth.

Is it too soon to fantasize about these things coming off???

10 comments:

  1. Bahah I remember initially warning people that I got braces BEFORE I saw them, and if I knew they didn't know about it, I seriously panicked before meeting up with them. After a while, you start to forget about it and you won't have that 'They don't know I have braces!' panic.

    YAY for you :)

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  2. Your big scoop of sorbet from the fellow braceface made me lol. I always feel a sense of communal connection when I see other adults with braces. I think they feel the same way too.
    Congrats on your new beau!

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  3. Thanks Amanda, that gives me hope! And made me laugh a little! Dating seems like such a far of concept (like once the braces come off!) Because its hard to imagine people seeing past the braces, but the reality is I think most people don't pay too much attention to them, its all in our head! Congratulations with the new man!

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  4. Dani, the "they dont know I have braced" panic is so true! It's definitely easing up, though;) Max - the real comedy is that the girl behind the counter was probably 15! But I definitely run into MANY adults with braces and we all give each other a nod. Amy - I swear you don't have to wait until after braces! Before the new man I went on several dates and none of the guys cared. Most even thought they were cute! And they don't interfere at all, if ya know what I mean. (yes, I just meant that!)

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  5. That made me LOL pretty hard! But good to know, haha! I haven't quite gotten back into the swing of dating yet (I broke up with my boyfriend a number of months ago) but have been focusing on me more. I think the new year will be a good time to start back with all that again, lol. I'll let you know how it goes! Haha.

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  6. When I first got braces I definitely did a double take every time I passed by the mirror because they looked so funny! Now, when I see old pictures I think my smile w/o braces is funny!
    I think the same thing goes for everyone else too, they just start getting used to seeing you with the braces and dont really notice them anymore.

    Yay for a new boy!

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  7. Haha - I agree with Dani and you about the whole adult secret society of braces thing! So true! And I remember all too well the feeling "they don't know I have braces" and I am so glad that phase passed early on! It's weird, another blogger once said to me in the beginning of my journey that she hoped I would grow to love my braces as they will become apart of who I am. I thought that was ridiculous at first but now I understand what she meant. I've been in braces for 1 year and 1 month and I don't know when it happened but at some point I realized how I can look at myself in the mirror and just laugh, smile, and be humble and that this is something I'm proud to be doing.

    Your blog makes me laugh! Thanks for sharing your story..

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  8. Congrats sweetie, he sounds wonderful! I've been single since April (a month before I got braces, ironically :P) and have spent pretty much the whole summer/fall being waaaay too self-conscious haha..but I've been busy with work/moving/etc too, so I've had "excuses" for avoiding new relationships lol..but your story and the other bloggers have def given my confidence a big boost, so yay! there's still hope :)

    and congrats again on being in a great relationship, I'm so happy for you! Finding one of those ain't easy, braces or not!!

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  9. Andrea, I can't stress enough that dating w/braces is not as crazy as you think. I was really shocked that the all the guys I went out with really didn't think they were a big deal. It made it easier that they all knew I had braces before I met. And I'm right there with you on the breakup and getting braces at the same time. It's one of those things like - am I crazy? But it really isn't a huge deal... to them. Because after all this brave talk, I still look in the mirror, mid-date and think "What the hell is he thinking?! These are atrocious!"

    p.s. You really should start your own blog! I know putting up pictures is daunting. But just remember, it can really be anonymous. And as you see, we all like to post pix in B&W of JUST our teeth. If you do start one, let me know - I'd love to follow it!

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  10. Hi Amanda. I just stumbled on this blog today and I really hope that you update soon! I am 21 years old and because of drama with my first orthodontist, I am getting braces for a second time tomorrow. I've been having a really hard time coming to terms with it because I am in my last semester at college and I just think it's a horrible thing. With the universe having really bad timing, I just started hanging out a guy I think could be someone special. We have only spent a small amount of time with him and I know I am going to have to tell him, probably within the next 24 hours, about my impending metal mouth - and I am scared to death. This has helped me feel a little bit better and I hope to read more updates really soon!

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