"Quand quelqu'un vous manque, le temps semble passer plus lentement, et quand je tombe amoureux de quelqu'un, le temps semble passer plus rapidement"

When we're missing someone, time just drags on. Every minute feels like an hour. On the flip side, when we're falling for someone, time just zips by. Days feel like seconds, and before you know it, hours have disappeared.

Think about it—this isn't just a poetic thought. It's deeply rooted in our psychology. When you miss someone, the emptiness they're leave behind makes you hyper-aware of the ticking clock. You're counting the seconds until you see them again. It's like waiting for the water to boil; it never happens if you keep staring at the pot. Conversely, when you're head over heels in love, you're so absorbed in the moments with that special person that time just flies. You don't want it to end, and it feels like it never does—until it does, suddenly and surprisingly.

Take, for instance, soldiers deployed far from their families. They miss home so much that all they can think about is returning. Each day feels like an eternity. Many soldiers have even said that the hardest part of deployment isn't the danger but the waiting. Remember the movie "Cast Away"? Tom Hanks's character spends four years on an island, and each day is a grueling battle against time. But back home, his fiancée moves on, because for her, the time moves differently.

Now, let's flip it. Think about that first real love. You know the one. You meet someone, and suddenly your day is brighter, your worries lighter. You start dating, and hours turn into minutes. You’re so engaged, so alive, that you wish you could hit pause. But you can't—time is relentless. I had a friend who often said that during the honeymoon phase of his relationship, weekends felt like blinks of an eye. "One moment we're having breakfast, and the next thing I know, it's Sunday night," he'd say.

So, how do we apply this wisdom? First, recognize it. If you're missing someone, understand why time feels so slow. You’re focusing on the absence, and it's stretching your perception of time. Try to fill your days with activities that engage you—new hobbies, old friends, books, exercise. Distracting yourself won't bring the person back faster, but it will make the wait less agonizing.

If you're falling in love, savor it. Be present. Don't let your awareness of time slipping away detract from your joy. Take mental snapshots. Write down your feelings. These moments are precious, and while they seem fleeting, they're impactful.

Imagine this scenario: You're at a concert with someone you're crazy about. The music is electric, the crowd is a sea of excitement, and you can feel the connection between you two growing stronger with every beat. The night races by, and suddenly, the encore is over, and you're left with this bittersweet feeling. The night ended too soon, but it's a memory you'll cherish forever.

So, next time you feel time dragging or speeding by, take a moment. Reflect on why. Use that understanding to either fill your time with meaningful distractions or to deeply appreciate the fleeting moments of joy. Life is all about these delicate balances, after all.