Dear Old Love

Gamed Night

Of all the love games I’ve played, you’re the only one to have sunk my Battleship, landed on my Boardwalk, Connected my Four, and Pursued my Trivia.

The Unroyal We

Most of all I wish I could reflect and say we were so in love. We.

Save the Day

You used to be my hero, and now you’re just a man in a cape and tighty-whities.

Numerology

You wouldn’t believe the PIN I was sent. Even my bank is mocking me.

Spike My Collar

German Shepherds used to scare me. Now when I see one I can’t help but wish it’s you on the other end the leash.

Honesty Appreciated

I appreciate your honesty in showing me that we were just not right for one another. Better sooner than later.

Moves in Mysterious Ways

I was young and naive and completely infatuated with your mysterious ways that summer.

If Not More

I hope you realize that there is someone out there waiting to love you just as much as I did.

But It's So Fun to Skip!

We should have never skipped that part called friendship.

Resemblance

I have to wonder if I only like that one girl at work because she looks so much like you.

Comfy

You were always my favorite place to be.

Method

In my acting class, my character is moved to tears because she is so upset about her loved one betraying her. It’s really difficult imagining what she must be going through.

Clearly

It’s not that you were unkind, it’s that you were unclear.

Give Some to Get Some

Your refusal to donate your 10-cent bag discount at Whole Foods should’ve been my first clue that we were doomed.

Howdy 'Do

Seems like I change my hair every time you break my heart, maybe hoping that you won’t recognize me, and will fall in love with me again.

Dear Old Love at B&N

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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.