Because Unrequited Love is the New Self-Care Routine

I’ll share my true feelings when the moment is right, focusing on the joy and love, and leaving out the pain because, let’s face it, spreading suffering helps neither of us. It’s a bit like offering someone a beautifully wrapped gift, only to reveal it’s just an empty box. For years, I’ve been your silent admirer, like a wallflower at the dance, sending love your way even when I wasn’t sure the universe would let it reach you.

It wasn’t until I discovered the true value of friendship — like finding a hidden gem — that I realized the way I should be treating you. This revelation made me reflect deeply on everything. I’ve even asked for strength to let go of dreams and memories that might now belong to yesterday.

You’re probably wondering what those dreams entail. Somehow, despite everything, a part of me romantically believes that maybe, just maybe, we’ll find our way to each other one day. The way you linger in my thoughts and my heart makes it seem like there’s a piece of me that’s always tagging along with you. But hold on, it’s not that I can’t love others; I just haven’t found anyone since you who makes my heart do that little dance. Sure, I’ve had other relationships and have shed my fair share of tears, but was it true love? Not quite.

With you, I learned what love truly means, even if it was a bit like learning to swim by being thrown into the deep end. Love isn’t about trying to mold someone into what you think they should be — it’s about understanding their quirks and even delighting in their imperfections. Real love taught me that it can survive miles apart, existing in silence and understanding without constant attention. It’s about fully accepting someone, a connection that often runs so deep, words feel inadequate. Love sticks around, whether quietly or like fireworks on a summer night. And yes, when I see or hear about you with someone else, there’s that all-too-familiar pang, like a bittersweet melody playing in the background.

Am I foolish? Perhaps. I know I’ve been distant, and honestly, it’s because someone else dimmed my hope for finding that kind of comfort and connection again, like a light bulb that flickered and went out. But I refuse to let that shadow fall on you. You — you never made me question love’s beauty or promise.

So, here it is: my apology and gratitude rolled into one. I’m sorry for meeting you at a time when I saw love more as a weight than a wonder. Sorry for not embracing every unique part of you unconditionally. Whether or not you ever truly loved me, I do know that you found me charming, and that’s enough to keep the spark alive for now.

I wish you nothing but the best, always. Thank you for being my unexpected teacher in the school of love. And I promise to adore you quietly, to carry a part of you with me, always.

Take care.

The Never-Ending Tug-of-War. Because Who Doesn’t Love a Little Emotional Roller Coaster Before Bed?