From Humble Beginnings to Harmonious Connections

Let’s start with a confession: I’ve not always been the graceful navigator of relationships that you see before you today (cue a dramatic hair toss). Picture a young Juliette, circa her early 20s, walking through the cobblestone streets of Montreal armed with a floppy beret, a tattered copy of Les Filles de Caleb, and a flair for overthinking casual encounters. I was equal parts romantic daydreamer and over-analyzer. In hindsight? I was the human embodiment of that episode of Friends where Ross keeps going on about the list—earnest, a little messy, and wildly overcomplicating what should be simple.

But in those early years, between flirty métro rides and awkward café dates, I learned that the most ordinary beginnings—whether in love or life—often set the stage for pretty extraordinary chapters. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a relationship rut or like your romantic story starts on page one of an IKEA instruction manual (confusing and slightly stressful), this one’s for you.

The Great Plot Twist: Ordinary Isn’t a Bad Thing

First, let’s debunk the myth that life-changing love must come with fireworks, soundtrack-worthy moments, and Nicholas Sparks-level drama. Real connections often begin in the most unassuming places. I’m talking grocery store serendipity, typing “oops” into the wrong chat while on Zoom, or locking eyes with someone over competing baguettes at a farmer’s market.

When my now-partner and I started dating, it wasn’t magical. There weren’t violins playing in Old Montreal; instead, there was him spilling his coffee on himself during our first conversation at a local bookstore. Glamorous? Not at all. Memorable? Absolutely. The lesson: don’t dismiss uncommon beginnings. Sometimes, extraordinary love starts with extraordinary awkwardness—and that’s perfectly okay.

So, how do you bring out the "extraordinary" without forcing it? Let’s dive into a few tricks I’ve picked up over the years. (Spoiler: they’re more about mindset than movie moment magic.)

Stop Searching for The One—Find Yourself Instead

Hollywood really did a number on us with this whole “soulmate” narrative, didn’t it? If you had told me at 22 that there wasn’t a poetic, book-toting savior swooping in at any minute to complete me, I would’ve stared at you like you’d canceled season two of Emily in Paris. But hear me out: relationships feel extraordinary when you feel extraordinary.

This doesn’t mean you need to make a grand Eat, Pray, Love-style pilgrimage or quit your job to become a full-time van-lifer (yes, I’ve considered it). Sometimes leveling up means addressing the small things that bring you joy and confidence.

Ask yourself:
- What makes me feel most alive? Is it discussing Huis Clos over wine? Gardening? Making a killer Spotify playlist?
- Am I investing in hobbies or settings that let me meet—and shine in front of—the right people?
- How am I showing up for myself before I expect someone else to show up, latte in hand and ready to “save me”?

In other words, be the leading role in your own life first. Because taking that dance class you’ve dreamt about, trying a brand-new workout, or even tackling that French-language podcast could serendipitously lead to “extraordinary.” Who knows, maybe your partner-to-be will be the other person fumbling through a pétanque lesson alongside you.

Love Isn’t a Checklist—Ditch the Pinterest Board

There was a time in my life when my journal had a list of my non-negotiables in a partner, written entirely in teal ink. (If you’re curious, the “dream man” was bilingual, as obsessed with Leonard Cohen as me, and would definitely have a dog.)

Now, don’t get me wrong. It’s important to know your basic dealbreakers—shared values, honesty, kindness—but the problem with a rigid checklist? It leaves no room for the unexpected. When we treat love like a Build-A-Bear workshop, we risk dismissing great people because they don’t check off one arbitrary box.

Case in point: my partner doesn’t love Stromae or cry during Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain—and yet, here we are. So, put the checklist down and focus on what you feel when you’re with someone. Do they see you at your quirkiest and lean in, not out? Can they laugh with you about your bad puns or pepper their own into return texts? (Spoiler: humor is an underrated compatibility marker.) Keep it human, not Pinterest-perfect.

Romance Is in the Details

Here’s the thing: creating something extraordinary in your relationships—whether you’re dating or in a 10-year marriage—doesn’t require a Michel Gondry dream sequence. It’s in the everyday moments of noticing and effort.

Think…
- The Sunday Ritual: You both enjoy going to the same café every week, ordering croissants, and trying to out-guess the barista’s favorite Jean Leloup track.
- Small Gestures: My partner once learned two phrases in Québécois slang to impress my family—and one of them was hilariously wrong (10/10 for trying).

Yes, sweeping dates and grand confessions get all the pop culture glory, but what you’ll remember years down the line are those hidden-in-plain-sight moments—the way someone tries your favorite Montréal-style bagel despite preferring sourdough, or how they remember that April makes you weirdly nostalgic for fresh tulips. Combining love with attentiveness? Dynamite, my friends.

Own the Awkward

The unsung hero of every extraordinary love story is the moment someone embraces the awkward. If awkward were an Olympic sport, I’d own more medals than Michael Phelps (highlights include spilling poutine sauce on myself and a date simultaneously). Yet, those moments make for authentic connection—because they’re real.

My advice? Don’t aim for Celine Dion ballad-level romance perennially. Lean into the weird and wonderful:
- Talk about a time you completely failed. Nothing bonds people like sharing your flawed humanity.
- Laugh often—and at yourself. Did you stammer before asking someone you like out? Congrats, you’re a whole rom-com protagonist.

The point is, imperfection is magnetic. You’re not auditioning for The Great Love Bake Off. Let them see the lopsided cake, too.

It’s Your Story—Write It How You Want

Finally, the most crucial lesson I’ve learned on the journey from shaky first dates to steady, goofy, wonderful love: throw out everyone else’s script. Your extraordinary doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Long-distance making it work for you? Great. Two single parents finally combining morning routines? Beautiful. You being unabashedly single because you’ve decided to nurture your inner Céline-Dion-soundtrack-bellowing self? Truly iconic.

Romance starts not when you meet the "perfect" person, but when you learn to trust the story you’re writing—with all its twists, messy margins, and blank pages. Because the best relationships aren’t picture-perfect—they’re lived-in. The love that lingers long after the candles are blown out? That’s extraordinary, no matter how simple its start.

So, whatever chapter you’re in, relish it. Make it yours. And remember: even spilled coffee on a first encounter can brew into something beautiful. (Yes, pun fully intended.)