9 Awkwardly Adorable Crushes from My Gen-X Childhood That I’m Ready to Own

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Reflecting on childhood crushes can be a cringe-worthy experience, but with the passage of time, I find myself ready to confess a few of my youthful infatuations. So, let’s dive into a nostalgic journey of love and laughter.

  1. Jimmy
    My first crush was on Jimmy from the whimsical world of H.R. Pufnstuf. Admittedly, I can hardly recall the plotline, but Jimmy’s iconic bowl cut is etched in my memory. It turns out, those bowl haircuts were quite the trend in Pufnstuf’s universe.
  2. Shawn
    Fast forward a few years, and I found myself captivated by Shawn Cassidy. He had the voice of an angel (or so my 7-year-old self believed), incredible acting chops, and an undeniable charm. My heart took a hit when he tied the knot in 1979, breaking the dreams of countless young fans, including mine.
  3. Marcus
    After the heartbreak over Shawn’s marriage, I stumbled upon a cartoon called Battle of the Planets. I was instantly drawn to Marcus, the team’s fearless leader. My obsession was kept under wraps since none of my classmates watched the show, and it didn’t last long on our local channel, WXYZ. I later discovered an entire fanbase online, which made me wish I had the Internet back then. But maybe ignorance was bliss.
  4. Ponyboy
    Honestly, it would’ve been odd not to have a crush on someone from The Outsiders. Ponyboy Curtis caught my attention not just for being a “greaser” but for his depth and sensitivity. Plus, who could resist C. Thomas Howell in the 80s?
  5. Jake, Blane, and Andrew
    These three characters—Jake from Sixteen Candles, Blane from Pretty in Pink, and Andrew from The Breakfast Club—set unrealistic standards for my teenage years. After watching these films, I was convinced my Prince Charming was just around the corner. Thanks, John Hughes, for those high expectations. (And rest in peace; your films still hold a special place in my heart, even if the romances were a bit far-fetched.)
  6. Michael
    In college, my roommates and I became obsessed with the series thirtysomething. I developed a crush on the tormented ad executive Michael Steadman. Little did I know, the show painted a glamorized picture of adulthood, and it wasn’t until much later that I realized the challenges of being an adult, often learned the hard way. At least I don’t have as much angst as Michael!
  7. Mulder
    The 1990s brought about some unforgettable moments: grad school, grunge fashion, and of course, my infatuation with FBI Agent Fox Mulder from The X-Files. He was always just Mulder to me—handsome, intelligent, and hilariously witty. His dedication to uncovering the Truth and his fierce loyalty to Scully made him irresistible. Coincidentally, The X-Files ended in 2002, the same year I got married. Was that fate? As Mulder would say, “I Want to Believe.”

Since then, I’ve had my share of crushes—think Daniel Craig as James Bond and Tim Riggins from Friday Night Lights—but none have matched the fervor of those youthful crushes. Maybe it’s age that dampens such infatuations, or perhaps I’ve simply found real love. After all, everything else feels rather two-dimensional in comparison.

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Summary:

This article shares a light-hearted reflection on childhood crushes from the Gen-X era, including infatuations with characters from beloved shows and movies. As the author revisits these feelings, she acknowledges the unrealistic expectations set by romantic films while celebrating the growth that comes with time.