I've let my anxiety hold me back from a lot of great experiences. I've also let the fear of how others would view me stop me from doing things that I wanted to do. All that's gotten me is a stigma of walking the line. I'm not Johnny Cash, and even though he walked the line, even he stepped off track.
I've also let many (and I mean many) great guys disappear because -- simply put -- I just didn't appreciate them at the time. My stubbornness gets in the way each and every time and then I usually decide that I'd be happier alone in the end. But really, I don't want to be alone.
Moving along, I recently thought about an old acquaintance (dare I call him "friend"?) that I had a few years ago. Actually, I had thought about him off and on, but when we ran into each other at a store, it was blatant confirmation that I had to rekindle our romance of words. He was always very kind to me: always there to throw a compliment (if I were willing to catch), always there to stimulate me (my mind, guys. My mind), and always ready to lend a logical piece of advice or a hand if there was anything he could ever do. I took this for granted. I guess I'm always afraid of leading people on, or turning friendships/relationships into something they're not.
I cut him loose. Nothing like, "Hey, your services are no longer required," but we slowly just stopped all communication. And that was it.
So upon this meet cute we had in the store; although not so much "cute" as we didn't even exchange words, just glances, and we started communicating again, it obviously just wasn't the same. We had both been through a lot. We exchanged a few texts here and there, a few emails, made plans to get together to catch up (but not the actual "meet up" plans, the kind of plans you just say you're making, yet never actually do it), but never did we really get back into our old groove.
I thought about this and confronted him. I told him I missed talking to him. I love the way he writes, so I always have a comment when I read anything he posts, but I haven't been getting responses. What's the deal, man? He apologized and told me that sometimes he gets that way, but it's by no means my fault and he'll do better. He promised. Then he tells me he's moving. I thought: No! The only person I wanted to hang out with is now leaving! Upon further inquiry, he reveals he has a fiance' and a new job. I can't remember the exact words, but even though it was in writing, I got the indication that I was being a nuisance and this was his way of being rid of me. The only thing I could think to say was, "Okay. Good luck!" And with that, I deleted his phone number.
Why do I feel so dumb, though?
We were always friends, but I'm not sure if we were ever completely on the same wavelength. I enjoyed his friendship, as I'm sure he did mine but I think at one point there were more feelings there that I never gave the chance to be explored.
I know he'll eventually read this, and that being said: I want you to know that I know I have bad timing; I've always been that way and for some reason I don't think I'd change it if I could. I don't think running into you was coincidence and I was definitely looking forward to maybe starting a more active friendship, but apparently the stars have a different path for you! I'm sorry I let all these years go to waste instead of just giving you the time and attention (as my dear friend) that you selflessly deserved. Congratulations!
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