The first time I fell in love, it was total, absolute, and pure. We stayed together for 4 years, and almost married. Losing him was (up until that point) the worst pain I had ever felt. It was another 4 years before I could bring myself to even date again, much less open the door to loving someone else.
I don't regret for one moment that I fell in love with him. He helped me learn a lot about myself, my strengths and weaknesses, my real thoughts about the WTS (although he stayed on the fringes and never left), and about being true to myself.
The thing about first love is, it never happens again. You never again have that open innocence, that dewy eyed optimism. But, even if first love does not turn out to be life long, it is such a wonderful thing while it lasts! So beautiful, so fun, so illuminating. ( This, of course, precluded your first love being a total jerk)
So, yes, I agree with the statement. And, my humble opinion, those that disagree do so out of fear, and miss out on the greatest joy of life, which is love.
Happyout