Dear Will,
I have been seeing this guy for the past two months. He is perfect in every way and everything is going great… That was until today. Let’s just say the old saying “If something seems too good to be true it probably is” definitely applies here. Today at lunch he said he needed to tell me something. He has a boyfriend and they have been together for over a year. We live in Chicago and the boyfriend lives in Austin, Texas. Obviously, I’m crushed. It has been many years since I have allowed myself to develop feelings for someone. I keep a wall up and don’t let guys get too close, emotionally, in order to keep from getting hurt. But this time I let my guard down and developed strong feelings for him and felt that he had strong feelings in return.
He said the relationship between him and the boyfriend isn’t working out. The distance is too far; they only see each other two to three times a year but talk every day. I tried to muster up enough strength and humility to remain calm and ask questions about the relationship. I told him that if he didn’t see a future with this guy he needed to talk to him. It’s wouldn’t be fair the other guy nor himself. I couldn’t get through lunch fast enough. I wanted to get out of there before I broke down and began to cry.
I do still have feelings for him but don’t want to be “the other man” or anyone’s second choice out of convenience. Also, if he is seeing me while seeing someone else without telling either one of us, what’s to say he won’t see other guys behind my back?
What do I do?
Heart Broken & Confused
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Dear Heart Broken & Confused,
The heart is such a fragile and delicate part of the body. Not only can it physically be damaged, but emotionally and spiritually bruised and broken. You must be careful who you give it to. You’re smart to have “the wall” up but you can’t keep it up forever. What will happen when Mr. Right comes along and you miss him because your wall was too high? Love is a gamble and you have to take chances. Yes, it’s going to hurt from time to time, but it will only make you stronger and wiser.
As for this guy, step back. Take some time away from him. Give him a chance to take care of Mr. Texas. Wait and see if he does indeed end things with him or if he was just blowing hot air. Wait a few weeks and see if you still have feelings for him. In the meantime, go about your daily life as normal. Who knows, he may end up being Mr. Right, or Mr. Right may come along while you’re waiting to see what transpires. Keep your chin up and know that none of this is your fault. I wish you the best and I know you will find your soul mate. It will happen when it’s supposed to happen. You must be patient.
Will