09.18.07
To Whom It May Concern:
You told me your side, here is my response.
Get over yourself. It’s not about you. What you don’t seem to understand; what, in my opinion, you’ve never seemed to have understood, is that relationships are as much about her needs as they are about yours. She told you what she needed from you. Time and again. You didn’t listen. You were afraid, which is understandable, but so was she. Instead of being sympathetic to her fears, you exploited them. You talked about other girls, past and present. You criticized her appearance; her weight. You got upset when she saw other people, but then refused to give her assurance that this was going somewhere, that this was more than just a here and now type fling. When she got upset and threatened to break things off, you made promises and pledges and then didn’t keep them.
And then YOU ended it. You told her this wasn’t working. She accepted your decision, and she moved on.
And now? You’ve suddenly realized what a great girl she is. You’ve suddenly discovered that what she wanted from you wasn’t that unreasonable or outrageous. You’ve suddenly remembered how beautiful, kind, sweet and generous she is. You’ve suddenly decided that you don’t want her out of your life.
So I’ll say to you again. This isn’t about you. It’s not about your needs. Not anymore. She did her best and you took that for granted. If you realized that it wasn’t all about you, you would appreciate what you put her through. You would understand why she can’t be pulled into that again. You would apologize – sincerely apologize – for causing her so much confusion and anxiety. You would realize that you need to work through your own stuff before you asked her to give you another chance. You wouldn’t expect her to believe in the same promises that you’ve already broken. You would stop telling her, and start showing her.
But, my guess is that you won’t. So instead, why don’t you give her a break, and stop asking for things that you haven’t earned?
vvk said,
September 18, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Beach Bum said,
September 18, 2007 at 3:48 pm
I think I know what this is all about — but I’m probably missing a part of the story here…
inowpronounceyou said,
September 19, 2007 at 8:50 am
God DAMN girl…that just flat out ROCKS. Everyone should have a friend like you.
The Handsome Boy Modeling School said,
September 19, 2007 at 11:06 am
I’m tempted to comment but I don’t think this post requires any flaming. Instead I’ll just bask in the warmth of your contempt.
Whew…[fans self] warm in here
Arjewtino said,
September 19, 2007 at 1:07 pm
I hope I never get on your bad side.
freckledk said,
September 20, 2007 at 8:33 am
Can you compose a similar letter for me? A little tweaks here and there and it would be perfect.
cheerfulcynic said,
September 20, 2007 at 8:02 pm
vvk – don’t be sad.
BB – it could (and does) apply to more than one person.
INPY – thx
Handsome – guilty conscience, much?
Arjewtino – rightbackatcha
freckledk – sure! Although I can’t say this post was all that helpful.
Handsome Boy Modeling School said,
September 21, 2007 at 9:22 am
Haha…Guilt is the price we pay willingly for doing what we are going to do anyway. Therefore I’m not afflicted.
What have you got on Elaine Dickinson? « Seeking John Galt said,
December 13, 2007 at 9:37 am
[...] Have I mentioned that she’s funny? She’s definitely someone you’d want to have on your side if at all possible. She always knows the right thing to say, at exactly the right time. She’s [...]
I’m totally that girl. « Seeking John Galt said,
January 26, 2008 at 8:59 am
[...] It’s no wonder that the Cheerful Cynic has such a devoted circle of friends. Not only is she fiercely loyal and protective of her inner [...]