The Love Defense
It’s not trashy when you’re in love.
Dwelling in Possibility
I fell so in love with your potential that I couldn’t see that you would never live up to it.
Negotiating Fog
Li-Young Lee is right: I moved thousands of miles away only to continue looking for you around every corner, hungry for some trace of you.
It's the Cuteness, Idiot
You were an idiot, but cute.
Beautiful Music Together
Wish I’d been your guitar, instead of your girl.
Wild Thing
I wonder who went to see Where the Wild Things Are with you. I hope you went by yourself.
Lyrically Speaking
I wish I were still in Cher’s “Strong Enough” phase of our breakup, and not onto Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” one.
Down and Hurting
You let me down, you hurt me.
My Kingdom for a Boot
I gave you food to eat, a bed to sleep in, a body to hold, and a heart to carry. You gave me the boot.
The Flirty Yes's Have It
When I asked you if you liked me, you said, “I enjoy our time.” All I wanted was a flirty yes.
Rolling, Rolling
I miss rolling around in bed with you for hours. And you tickling me. I wish I could go back.
No Sleep Til
I dream of you nightly. I think I’ll stop with the sleeping pills; insomnia is preferable.
Quiet Comfort
Ours was not the longest relationship I’ve ever had, or most intense, or purest, or even the most passionate, but there was something in the quiet comfort I felt around you.
Exemplary
I use you as an example of who not to date.
Not Teaching for America
Teach for America’s rejection didn’t hurt as much as yours did.
About this
"Dear Old Love" is short notes to people we've loved (or at least liked). Requited or unrequited.
The ex-husband in Grace Paley's short story "Wants" says to his ex-wife, "I attribute the dissolution of our marriage to the fact that you never invited the Bertrams to dinner." If you're bitter, that's the way to express it here.
Please email pithy, specific "Dear Old Love" notes to dearoldlove(at)gmail.com. Posted submissions will be anonymous, and all submissions will be held in confidence. I would never sell or give away your email. (I wouldn't even know how.) If privacy is a concern, use an account with a pseudonym.
By emailing me, you're granting a permanent, royalty-free license to edit and use your "Dear Old Love" note in any way, but your note will remain anonymous. Dear Old Love will be published as a book by Workman in Fall, 2009. My name is Andy Selsberg. Thanks. Enjoy.
