1. Not Like the Others

    I’m glad there aren’t any pictures of us, standing arm-in-arm, with frozen smiles pretending to be like every other couple.

  2. How the Hell

    You told me “I never promised I wouldn’t hurt you.” How the hell does that make what you did to me any better or make me hurt any less?

  3. Appreciate the Warmth

    Thanks for hugging me the other day. I know you don’t love me anymore, but I appreciate your warmth nonetheless.

  4. The Fam

    I fell in love just as hard with your family. Can’t I keep them?

  5. Actual Shadow

    I want to feel your five o’clock shadow in an actual shadow at five o’clock.

  6. Fries?

    You took me to Five Guys when I was still a vegetarian. 

  7. Your Dog

    I guess I just want you to know I miss you, and I’m sorry we couldn’t work. I hope you get your dog.

  8. Mario Hat

    Remember that time we were driving in your car back to the city? It was about 4 in the morning. We were wearing matching Mario and Luigi hats. My hat fell over my eyes, and I almost fell asleep. You leaned over and kissed me, and said goodnight. You then pulled over, turned off the car. You carried me up 4 flights of stairs to my apartment, and tucked me into my bed. You told me you loved me, kissed me, got into my bed and you fell asleep, holding me. 

  9. Really

    I didn’t just say it ‘cause I could, I really did love you.

  10. Collapsing Distance

    I’m realizing that 245.8 miles doesn’t seem nearly as far as it did a year ago. We should have, at the very least, tried. 

  11. Old Ways

    I wore your old flannel shirt on my first date with him. I did it to test our old superstitious ways. Much like our marriage, I guess our old superstitious ways were bullshit because I fell for him.

  12. Set Yourself Free

    Years ago I told you that should you ever decide you don’t want me in your life anymore, all you’d have to say is, “leave me alone.” After nearly ten years of fighting, countless “I hate you”s, saying you couldn’t live without me, you’re no longer in my life. And you still haven’t said those three words I’ve been begging to hear. Please, set me free.

  13. Avoiding

    The hiking trail in the next town, our old favorite restaurant, Jack Johnson, the park down the street, those dumb action movies you always dragged me to, and the entire state of Florida. Just a few of the things I’ve learned to avoid in order to keep my sanity.

  14. Every Season

    We had a summer love and an insane attraction for each other 6 years ago and 6 years later I’m realizing I want it all back for every season.

  15. Miss My Mark

    For all the years I waited patiently for the right time to come along, I never expected to miss my mark and lose you entirely.

About

"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.

Submit pithy "Dear Old Love" notes via the "Submit" link above. Posted submissions will be anonymous.

Consider getting the Dear Old Love book! And, check out the new book/blog: YOU ARE GOOD AT THINGS.

Thank you for your submissions and support. -Andy Selsberg