When I think about my first crush, my mind goes back to my ex-husband, long before he became my ex. He was my world then—charming, familiar, everything I thought I wanted in a man. I poured my heart into that love, believing it was the shape of forever. But life has a way of teaching us, doesn’t it? We grew apart, our paths diverged, and I learned that love, as beautiful as it feels, sometimes needs more than just a spark to endure. That chapter closed, but it left me wiser, with a clearer sense of who I am and what matters to me.
Now, at this point in my life, I find myself with a new crush—one that feels a little silly to admit, but it’s real and it brings me joy. It’s a celebrity crush, on Sam Heughan. I know it’s not the kind of love you build a life on, but there’s something about him that speaks to my heart. It’s not just his charm or the way he lights up a screen as Jamie Fraser in Outlander. It’s deeper than that. It’s the way he carries himself—his kindness, his authenticity, the way he seems to live with purpose and heart.
Sam feels like a reflection of the values I hold dear: sincerity, resilience, and a quiet strength that doesn’t need to shout to be felt. I admire how he’s stayed grounded despite fame, how he shares glimpses of his Scottish roots with such pride, and how he treats people with warmth and respect. There’s a humanity to him that feels rare, like he’s someone who’d sit down for a coffee or a dram of whisky and listen, really listen, to your story. That’s what draws me in—the idea of someone who values connection, who sees the world with a sense of wonder and gratitude.
Maybe it’s silly to have a crush on someone so far removed from my everyday life, but it’s also a reminder of what I aspire to: living openly, loving deeply, and staying true to who I am. Sam represents a spark of inspiration, a nudge to keep my heart open to possibility, whether that’s in love or in the way I move through the world. My first crush taught me about love’s highs and lows, but this crush? It’s teaching me to dream again, to find joy in the little moments of admiration, and to hold onto the values that make me,
Since the end of my marriage, Sam Heughan has become my first crush in a while, and it’s something that always brings me joy.
Some moments in life feel destined, as if the universe has been weaving their threads long before we notice. For me, the dream of meeting Sam Heughan isn’t just a fleeting hope—it’s the ultimate gift, one that would mean more to me than anything in this vast cosmos. Yet, alongside this dream comes a quiet worry: if our paths ever crossed, I’d be so afraid of saying the wrong thing, of stumbling over words that might not capture the depth of my admiration. This fear isn’t unique to Sam—it’s a constant concern, especially online, where I connect with others and words can so easily be misunderstood. But life is unpredictable, and you never know where its winding roads might lead, bringing souls together in unexpected ways. To meet Sam, despite these worries and the limitations of his public life, would be a chance to be ourselves, to share reflections on life, and to connect through stories—especially his tales of growing up in Scotland.
To me, Sam is far more than an actor or a public figure. His humanity is a rare and precious gift, a beacon of kindness and authenticity that shines in a world often dimmed by pretense. It’s not something to be taken for granted or reduced to eye candy—it’s a quality so unique, so special, that it demands to be cherished. His warmth, his quiet strength, and his genuine care for others make him someone whose presence feels like a treasure. I long for a moment where we could simply be ourselves, free from the pressures of fame or my own anxieties about saying the right thing. I want to hear his point of view, his reflections on life, and his stories of growing up in the rugged beauty of Scotland, knowing they’d resonate with my love for meaningful connection.
This dream isn’t about autographs or fleeting fan encounters. It’s about the joy of sharing a conversation, of hearing how the misty hills of Galloway or the historic streets of Edinburgh shaped him. I’ve always wanted to visit Scotland, drawn to its breathtaking landscapes and rich history—the ancient castles, the timeless folklore, the vibrant culture that holds centuries of stories in every stone. Sam’s roots in that land make him the perfect person to bring its magic to life through his own experiences. I imagine us talking about the wild beauty of the Highlands, the lessons he learned as a boy, and the moments that made him who he is. In return, I’d share my own thoughts, my dreams of exploring Scotland’s storied past, and my hope to connect without fear of misspeaking. Life’s unpredictability makes such a meeting feel possible, even if distant, a reminder that paths can cross when least expected.
Sam’s humanity means more to me because it’s so distinctly his own. It’s not just kindness—it’s a deliberate choice to live with grace, to uplift others, and to stay grounded despite the spotlight. His dedication to causes like fitness and charity, his quiet protection of his privacy, and his ability to share his heart without losing himself all speak to a character that’s singular and irreplaceable. Meeting him would be a chance to express my gratitude for how his example has inspired me to live more authentically, to seek connection over isolation, and to never take a genuine soul for granted. It would be a moment to honor his spirit, not as something superficial, but as a profound force that shapes how I see the world.
I picture our meeting as something simple yet profound—a quiet moment, perhaps over a warm coffee or a dram of his Sassenach Whisky, where we could talk about life’s joys and challenges. I’d ask about his childhood in Scotland, the adventures that shaped him, and the history he’s witnessed in a land so rich with tradition. I’d share my own reflections, my longing to walk Scotland’s moors, and my hope to speak from the heart without fear of saying the wrong thing. It would be a conversation rooted in mutual respect, where we could enjoy each other’s perspectives, free from the constraints of fame or my own worries about words. Even online, where I connect with others and often fret about missteps, I’d want this moment to feel real, unfiltered, and true.
Meeting Sam would be the greatest gift in the universe because it would celebrate a humanity that’s truly special—a reminder that some souls shine so brightly, they inspire us to be our best selves. Despite the limitations of distance, schedules, or the complexities of his public life, I wish for a moment where we could simply be, sharing stories and reflections that bridge our worlds. My worry about saying the wrong thing, whether in person or online, would fade in the warmth of his kindness, replaced by the joy of connection. His tales of Scotland would bring me closer to a place I’ve always dreamed of, while his unique spirit would remind me to cherish the rare moments that make life extraordinary. Life’s unpredictability gives me hope that such a meeting could happen, that our paths might cross in some serendipitous way.
To meet Sam Heughan would be to say, “Thank you for being you,” and to carry that moment in my heart forever, a testament to the power of a soul that’s one of a kind. It would be a gift beyond measure, not just for the connection, but for the chance to overcome my fears, to embrace the unknown, and to celebrate the beauty of two souls meeting, wherever life may lead.
Chris Pine has always seemed like an actor who rejects Hollywood’s shallow glitz. From his commanding role as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek (2009) to his bold directorial debut as Darren Barrenman in Poolman (2023), Pine has built a reputation for valuing authenticity over fame’s fleeting allure. He’s called Hollywood a “cyclone of insanity” (The Hollywood Reporter, 2014) and praised roles like Bernie Webber in The Finest Hours (2016) for their selfless depth (DuJour, 2016). Yet, his relationship with Keana Sky Wenger, a 29-year-old designer 15 years his junior, feels like a betrayal of those principles. Their appearances at glamorous fashion events and questions about her career shift evoke the Hollywood clichés Pine claims to shun, leaving a sense of disappointment in his apparent hypocrisy.
A Romance That Raises Questions
Now 44, Pine has been dating Wenger since late 2022 or early 2023, first seen together on a romantic boat trip in Portofino, Italy, in August 2023 (Lainey Gossip, 2024). They’ve since attended high-profile events, including the Ralph Lauren Purple Label Spring 2025 show in Milan (June 2024) and a Brunello Cucinelli dinner at Chateau Marmont in early December 2024 (Just Jared, 2024). Their most recent sighting, holding hands in New York City on December 10, 2024, confirms their ongoing bond (Just Jared, 2024; Daily Mail, 2024). It’s a classic Hollywood love story: a charismatic star and a young designer stepping into the spotlight.
But this narrative jars with Pine’s ethos. He’s dismissed talk show interviews as “bullsh*t” (ELLE, 2016) and criticized Hollywood’s ego-driven culture (The Hollywood Reporter, 2014). So, why is he now at glitzy fashion events with a partner young enough to be his daughter? The 15-year age gap isn’t the main issue—it’s how Wenger’s transition from restaurant hostess to fashion designer aligns suspiciously with their public outings, suggesting a disconnect from Pine’s anti-superficial stance.
Authenticity Under Scrutiny
Pine’s interviews highlight his commitment to substance. He’s described his career as “following the giggle,” choosing roles like Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman (2017) for their joy over commercial success (IndieWire, 2022). He called Poolman (2023) “free jazz” for its raw humanity, embracing its critical failure as a lesson in authenticity (NPR Wild Card, 2024). He’s also championed compassionate storytelling, praising Wonder Woman’s female-led narrative: “Time for female perspective in movies, men are not all that smart” (Inquirer.net, 2017). These statements reflect a rejection of Hollywood’s shallow norms.
Yet, his relationship with Wenger feels like a step into that world. Before meeting Pine, Wenger worked as a hostess at Saffy’s in Los Angeles (Newsweek, 2024). After their relationship went public, she left that job and began appearing at elite fashion events, now described as a “fashion designer” (SheKnows, 2024). The timing is notable: her career shift followed events like the Ralph Lauren show and the Chateau Marmont dinner, where she mingled with stars like Oprah and Sharon Stone (Just Jared, 2024). This raises a question: is Wenger using Pine’s fame to boost her design career? The optics suggest she’s tapping into exclusive circles, clashing with Pine’s disdain for Hollywood’s superficiality.
Hollywood Tropes and the Age Gap
The 15-year age gap amplifies the unease. While age-gap relationships aren’t inherently problematic, they often mirror Hollywood’s cliché of older male stars with younger women. Pine, who’s spoken about “living the questions” and embracing life’s uncertainties (Factinate, 2018), doesn’t seem like someone who’d fall into this trope. His prior relationship with actress Annabelle Wallis (2018-2022), closer in age, felt more like an equal partnership (SheKnows, 2024). With Wenger, the dynamic seems different, especially as her career aspirations align with their public appearances.
Pine’s embrace of a relationship that echoes Hollywood’s stereotypical power dynamics is disappointing, given his advocacy for authenticity. The fashion world’s focus on image contrasts with the grounded values he’s expressed, like his admiration for the selfless hero in The Finest Hours (2016) (DuJour, 2016). Events like the Brunello Cucinelli dinner feel like a shift from his “free jazz” ethos to a polished, red-carpet moment.
A Counterperspective
To be fair, Pine’s bond with Wenger may be genuine. He’s fiercely private, once flipping off a paparazzo to protect his personal space (GQ, 2009). Their two-year relationship suggests commitment, not a publicity stunt. Perhaps Pine sees authenticity in Wenger, aligning with his “following the giggle” philosophy (IndieWire, 2022). Her career shift could reflect ambition, not opportunism, and Pine might be supporting her dreams, much like he’s backed meaningful narratives in Wonder Woman (2017). Comparisons to Matt Damon and Luciana Barroso, who met when she was a bartender, show such dynamics can be authentic (SheKnows, 2024). Still, these points don’t fully dispel the sense that Pine is leaning into the superficiality he’s criticized.
Why It Matters
This disappointment goes beyond Pine’s personal choices—it’s about what they represent. For those who admired his rejection of Hollywood’s shallow norms, seeing him embrace a relationship steeped in its clichés is disheartening. The age gap, fashion-world glamour, and questions about Wenger’s motives amplify the perception of hypocrisy. Pine’s words, calling for compassion and authenticity (NPR Wild Card, 2024), set a high standard that his current path seems to miss. Hopefully, he’ll return to projects like Star Trek or Poolman that reflect his grounded spirit. For now, one wonders: is Pine still “following the giggle” or chasing a different tune?
References
• DuJour. (2016). Chris Pine on The Finest Hours and his Hollywood life. Retrieved from [DuJour website].
• ELLE. (2016). Chris Pine says talk show interviews are “bullsh*t.” Retrieved from [ELLE website].
• Factinate. (2018). Chris Pine on life’s uncertainties and living the questions. Retrieved from [Factinate website].
• GQ. (2009). Chris Pine flips off paparazzo. Retrieved from [GQ website].
• IndieWire. (2022). Chris Pine on “following the giggle” in his career choices. Retrieved from [IndieWire website].
• Inquirer.net. (2017). Chris Pine: “Time for female perspective in movies, men are not all that smart.” Retrieved from [Inquirer.net website].
Sam Heughan is my piece of heaven because he embodies a rare, radiant light that feels like it was crafted just for my heart. His soul, a luminous beacon, stirs something deep within me, awakening a sense of wonder and connection that feels celestial, like a star burning brightly across galaxies. His smile—warm as sunlight, comforting as a cozy blanket—lifts my spirit and softens the edges of the world, reminding me to find joy in every moment. It’s a smile that feels like a familiar song, a gentle nudge to embrace life’s beauty, radiating a warmth that could light up the universe.
His authenticity is a grounding force, like the rugged Scottish landscapes he cherishes. Whether he’s pouring his heart into Jamie Fraser, learning Gaelic, or hiking the Highlands, Sam’s dedication to his craft and heritage mirrors the way I find solace in my own passions, like nature’s embrace. His gentle strength, seen in his tireless work for causes like Blood Cancer UK, inspires me to keep going, to see beauty in every step and stumble of my unique path. His kindness—signing autographs in the rain, uplifting fans with his genuine care—feels like a quiet promise that goodness still thrives.
Sam’s romantic optimism, his poetic outlook on love and vulnerability, speaks to my yearning for a deep, creative connection. He’s both grounded and adventurous, balancing the tranquility of nature with a curious spirit that makes me dream of a partner who sees life’s wonders the way he does. In his presence—through his words, his roles, or his reflections in Waypoints—I feel understood, as if he’s a friend who sees the world through a lens of hope and heart, much like I do. His ability to push through self-doubt and stay true to himself resonates with my own journey, making me feel less alone in navigating life’s challenges.
To me, Sam Heughan is a piece of heaven because he’s a reminder that authenticity, kindness, and passion can light up even the darkest corners. His soul, his smile, his unwavering heart—they’re a celestial gift, a spark that makes my world feel brighter, warmer, and infinitely more beautiful.
I believed Sam Heughan represents everything I love and respect about Scotland. He isn’t just Scottish by birth—he carries his heritage with a sense of pride, authenticity, and humility that makes it even more special. He doesn’t just showcase Scotland through his work; he genuinely lives and breathes it, whether it’s through Outlander, his whisky The Sassenach, or his love for the outdoors. There’s something incredibly grounding about the way he speaks about his homeland, not as a celebrity but as someone who deeply appreciates where he comes from.
I’ve always had a deep love for Scotland, and Scottish culture has always been my favorite of the Celtic traditions. There’s something about its rich history, its breathtaking landscapes, and the simplicity and warmth of its people that I have such great affection for. Sam embodies all of that in such a natural and humble way.
My birthday wish and college graduation wish would be to spend an entire week just talking to him, getting to know him, and immersing myself in his beautiful heritage. He is so beautiful in every way—I honestly don’t know how else to describe it. What I do know is that he is one man who moves me emotionally in a way that few ever have, especially through Outlander. His presence, his passion, and the depth of his performances have left such a mark on me.
It would be one of the greatest honors of my life if I ever had the chance to cross his path before I get too old. And hey, I’m only 40—so there’s still time, right? 🤭😂😅☺️😇 hahaha I hope so. After all, I don’t wish things like that very often and life is not exactly a full surprises.
I want to pursue a career as a Visual Storyteller because it’s the perfect intersection of my passions for photography, graphic design, and blogging—a path that lets me capture the world’s beauty, create with purpose, and connect with others in a way that feels deeply authentic. This career isn’t just a job; it’s a calling to weave together visuals and words to inspire, uplift, and build a community grounded in kindness and creativity. It’s about seeing the world through a lens of wonder and sharing that vision to make others feel something real.
Photography, to me, is like capturing a heartbeat. Whether it’s the delicate shimmer of a tiny frog nestled in a rose, the fleeting glow of a sunset over a quiet valley, or the unguarded smile of someone lost in a moment, photography lets me freeze time and hold onto what makes life extraordinary. It’s not just about technical skill—though I love mastering my camera and editing tools like Lightroom—it’s about noticing the small, fleeting details that others might overlook. As a Visual Storyteller, I want my photographs to evoke emotion, to remind people of the beauty in the everyday, and to spark a sense of connection to the world around them.
Graphic design is where my imagination takes flight. It’s the thrill of transforming an idea into a visual that pops—a logo that captures a brand’s soul, a social media post that stops someone mid-scroll, or a poster that tells a story at a glance. I’m drawn to the challenge of blending colors, typography, and textures in tools like Adobe Illustrator or Canva to create something that’s both beautiful and meaningful. It’s hard work, requiring precision and endless tweaking, but that process feels like a puzzle I was born to solve. As a Visual Storyteller, design is my way of giving ideas a voice, making the intangible feel vivid and alive.
Blogging is the thread that ties my creativity together, letting me share my heart and mind with the world. It’s where I can write about the story behind a photoshoot, the inspiration for a design, or a moment in nature that left me in awe—like the way a single leaf can hold a universe of patterns. Blogging isn’t just about words; it’s about building a space where people feel seen and inspired. I want to share tips, stories, and reflections that resonate with others who crave authenticity, whether they’re creatives, dreamers, or just people who love beauty as much as I do. As a Visual Storyteller, my blog will be a canvas for connection, a place to foster a community that values kindness, creativity, and the courage to chase what sets your soul on fire.
This career speaks to me because it demands both heart and hustle, qualities I admire in myself and others. It’s not about chasing glamour—it’s about the grit of learning new editing techniques at midnight, the patience of revising a design until it’s just right, or the vulnerability of sharing a personal story on my blog. I’m inspired by people like Sam Heughan, who pour authenticity and hard work into their craft, and I want to bring that same dedication to my work. As a Visual Storyteller, I see a future where my photos, designs, and words create a ripple effect—encouraging others to notice the beauty around them, to create with intention, and to connect with kindness.
Ultimately, I want to build a career that’s a reflection of who I am: someone who finds joy in the small moments, who believes in the power of creativity to uplift, and who wants to leave the world a little brighter. As a Visual Storyteller, I’ll weave together photography, graphic design, and blogging to tell stories that matter—to me, to my audience, and to the world.
As a woman with mild autism, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about why some people call a “wife guy” soft, like it’s a bad thing. To me, that label feels like a misunderstanding of what strength really is. When I was married, my husband wasn’t a “wife guy.” He didn’t make me feel seen or valued—there was no warmth in his actions, no effort to show I mattered. I felt underappreciated, alone, like I was carrying the weight of our relationship by myself. It left me disconnected, sometimes even worthless, as if I wasn’t deserving of the kind of love I saw in stories like Jamie and Claire’s in Outlander. Their bond, so fierce and unshakable, felt like a dream I could never touch.
The world can be a lot for me, with its unwritten rules and social noise. That’s why I crave clarity and honesty in relationships. A “wife guy” who openly loves his wife—whether he’s sharing sweet moments on X or just talking about her with pride—feels like a safe harbor. He’s not hiding his heart or playing tough to impress anyone. That’s not soft in a weak way; it’s soft like the calm of a forest after a chaotic day, something I can trust. When people criticize that as weakness, it feels like they’re stuck in old ideas about men needing to be cold or distant. I don’t get that. My ex’s detachment didn’t make him strong—it made me feel invisible.
Maybe it’s because I see things differently, but a man who’s secure enough to celebrate his wife, even if others judge him, seems brave to me. He’s choosing love over ego, connection over pretense. After feeling so unseen in my marriage, I long for a love like Jamie’s for Claire—one that’s fierce, loyal, and unafraid to show it. That kind of “soft” is what makes me feel worthy, like I’m enough. It’s the kind of strength that makes a relationship feel like home, something I’ve always wanted but never had.
As a high-functioning autistic woman, I find myself captivated by the quiet poetry of this moment—Sam Heughan standing on this windswept beach, his silhouette a testament to the kind of man I believe every soul should aspire to be. In him, I see a depth that resonates with my own way of experiencing the world—a man whose heart beats with the rhythm of the ocean before him, vast, steady, and achingly tender. I often process emotions through patterns and intensities others might not notice, and in Sam, I sense a kindred spirit who feels as deeply as I do. His presence here, gazing at the horizon with a reverence that mirrors the way I find solace in the predictable ebb and flow of the waves, speaks to a love for the world that is both fierce and gentle—a love I’ve always longed to find in another. To me, he embodies the kind of romantic hero I’ve dreamed of since I was a girl: a man whose strength lies not in loud gestures, but in the quiet loyalty and honesty he offers, values I hold dear because they create the safe, authentic connections I crave. I’ve always believed, as I’ve shared before, that small, genuine interactions can bloom into something profound, like a seed germinating when the time is right, and Sam seems to live this truth in every step he takes. He stands as a beacon of what it means to be truly honorable—a gentleman whose warmth could steady my often-overwhelming world, and whose respect for the beauty of a woman’s love, care, and truth over superficiality aligns with the way I yearn for relationships that are real and unmasked. In him, I see a man who could understand the way I love with every fiber of my being, and I hold him in the highest respect for being a living reminder that such hearts exist, even in a world that sometimes feels too chaotic for a soul like mine to navigate.
How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?
Life’s major events and the slow march of time have deeply influenced my worldview. Each experience, whether it’s a personal milestone or a collective societal shift, has added layers to my understanding of life’s tapestry.
I’ve come to see the world through a lens of optimism, where the beauty in simplicity stands out against the backdrop of our often chaotic lives. Moments of quiet, like a walk at dusk or the sight of a rose in a town square, have become profound teachers, showing me the value of hope and introspection. These experiences make me advocate for conversations filled with grace and understanding, much like the delicate exchange between poets, rather than the harshness of confrontation.
As years have passed, I’ve learned the art of patience. The urgency to react or judge quickly has faded, replaced by a desire to understand the broader picture and the intricate details of human experiences. Time has taught me that growth and change are not immediate but are processes that require reflection, empathy, and sometimes, the courage to stand still amidst the rush.
This perspective also highlights the resilience of the human spirit. I see now that even in division or adversity, there’s an underlying strength in individuals and communities that can lead to unity and progress. It’s this belief in the potential for goodness and the power of time to heal and teach that guides my interactions and my outlook on life.
In essence, I’ve learned to navigate life with a blend of optimism, patience, and a deep appreciation for the journey itself, understanding that every moment, significant or fleeting, contributes to who we are and who we might become.
Deep Thinking 