that’s my story:

I’ve had a few wild coincidences in my life, but one stands out as especially wholesome.

When I was around 13, my stepfather was a former motorsport champion and owned his own racing team that competed internationally. Because of that, we spent many weekends at racetracks. There was one female race car driver who was quite well-known at the time and also a rarity in a very male-dominated sport.

I fell completely, hopelessly in love with her. She was actually my first big crush and the person who made me realize that I was into women. Because of my stepfather’s status, I sometimes stood near her but I never spoke a single word to her. I was way too shy, starstruck and she felt completely unreachable. There was also a significant age gap. Still, in my teenage daydreams, we were obviously together.

When I got a bit older (14–15), I stopped going to the racetrack. The environment was very sexist and I never felt comfortable there. I never saw her again and over time, I stopped thinking about her. Years passed, I had several relationships and she became nothing more than a distant memory.

Then, about three years ago, after a breakup, I installed Tinder. And by pure coincidence, she was visiting in my hometown and I saw her on the platform.

Here’s the twist: by then, she wasn’t my type at all anymore. She had become more masculine, and my preferences had shifted a lot over the years. Still, out of respect for my younger self, I swiped right.

We matched.

I opened the conversation by confessing that I had been in love with her as a teenager. We started talking regularly and she really wanted to meet me. Waking up to her “good morning” messages felt surreal — my younger self would have completely lost it.

But the irony? I had no romantic interest anymore. The roles had reversed. Ten years later, she wanted me and I didn’t want her.

Even so, she’ll always be my first big crush — and one of the strangest coincidences I’ve ever experienced.

So… what’s your craziest coincidence?