Once in a Lifetime

You know the saying there’s a first time for everything? I would give anything to experience so many things for the first time again. The allure of experiencing something for the first time is a powerful feeling that resonates deeply with many of us. But why is it that we chase these first-time experiences, and why can’t we ever truly replicate them?

I remember the first time that I watched Spiderman: No Way Home. With Andrew Garfield, Tobey Maguire, and Tom Holland’s spider man's all in one movie? If you haven’t seen the movie yet, I’ll be surprised if no one has because it’s been out since 2021, so apologies for the spoilers. But I went to see that movie on opening night at my local cinema and we had to book tickets a week prior since the whole entire theatre was booked out. But since this was the first showing, no one knew what was going to happen, even though there was speculation that this very thing was going to occur. 

But that moment when Ned opened that portal using Doctor Strange’s ring and Tobey Maguire stepped out and the whole entire theatre erupted in screams, with people jumping out of their seats. I remember my friend knocking her drink onto me from being so excited and people started clapping out of nowhere until the whole entire theatre was applauding. The same thing happened when Andrew Garfield appeared, but I think people were even more excited because in my opinion, Andrew Garfield is the best Spiderman. That moment will always be stuck in my head as the mixture of feelings that I felt all through out that movie, especially when Andrew Garfield succeeded in catching MJ (Zendaya) when she was falling near the end of the movie, probably as a reference to his own movies where he failed to catch Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) which resulted in her death. The fact that he caught her kind of healed the inner child in me because Andrew finally did it. 

Even remembering it now literally brings tears to my eyes. But alas, no matter how many times I watch it, I know what’s going to happen and I’ll never be as surprised or shocked as I was at 15 years old in that little cinema. But I would give so much just for this singular experience again. 

Chasing the High of the First Time

Many people find themselves longing for that “first-time” feeling in various aspects of life, whether it’s experiencing the excitement of a first concert, tasting an unfamiliar dish,riding a roller coaster for the first time. Some even chase this thrill through activities like travelling the world or trying new hobbies in search of that rush of novelty.

However, part of the beauty of firsts lies in their uniqueness. You can only ever have one "first" time for any given experience. As we grow older, these firsts become fewer, and we sometimes find ourselves looking back at moments and wishing that you can relive that thrill. 

Some people might even regret many firsts. First kisses, first loves, first anything. Something bad might have come from it, it might not have been enjoyable, or with the example of being the first kiss. When you finally meet the right person and you wish that the first kiss with them could’ve been your first overall. 

The Power of Novelty

First-time experiences tap into the brain’s love for novelty. When we encounter something new, our brain releases dopamine, the "feel-good" chemical associated with pleasure and reward. This initial surge of dopamine amplifies the emotional intensity of that experience, making it feel all the more memorable and exciting. This is why that first viewing of a movie like No Way Home, filled with suspense, speculation, and emotional payoff, creates such a visceral reaction.

Once we know what’s coming, our brain doesn’t react the same way. Even though we might still feel joy or nostalgia when revisiting that moment, the element of surprise is gone, and the emotional intensity doesn’t hit the same peak. While we can anticipate the scene with excitement, the unexpected emotional high that comes with novelty fades with familiarity.

So why can’t we recreate the magic of a first-time experience? The answer lies in how our brain processes experiences. Once we've been through something, our brain has already "learned" the outcome, and that dopamine rush, triggered by the element of surprise, diminishes.

Additionally, anticipation and expectation play a huge role in how we perceive experiences. The first time, we don't know what's coming. We're on the edge of our seats, riding an emotional rollercoaster. Subsequent experiences, while enjoyable, lack that uncertainty and emotional depth that comes with not knowing.

While we may never get back the "first-time" feeling, there's beauty in revisiting old experiences. Over time, we can learn to appreciate the familiarity and nostalgia that come with watching a favourite movie again or visiting a favourite place. It’s a different kind of pleasure—one that comes from comfort and reflection, rather than surprise and novelty.

In essence, while the magic of a first-time experience is something we can’t replicate, we can still find joy in revisiting and cherishing those moments, knowing they shaped us in ways that only "firsts" can. But if you could experience anything for the first time again, what would it be?