Dear Tell All: Happy Valentine's Day to you and your readers. Me, I'll be alone on the holiday, but rather than feeling sorry for myself, I wanted to tell my story in the hopes of making a new start.
It's not that I don't have a beloved. I do - let's call her Jodi. Unfortunately, I'm not her beloved, although I have this nagging feeling that I could have been. We met each other in elementary school here in Madison and have been friends ever since. I've had a crush on her for years, starting in fourth grade. I never said a word about it to her, even though I thought about it constantly.
Why? Sheer cowardice. I guess I was afraid of being rejected by such a sweet, smart, beautiful girl. Or maybe I was afraid of embarrassing both her and me. I did value our friendship, and it was just easier to keep our relationship on that level.
The horrible part of being her friend, though, has been enduring her boyfriends. Unlike me, they didn't lack nerve. Lots of guys have asked her out, beginning in middle school. I've been there in the supportive role throughout the various breakups and makeups, all while thinking that none of these guys were worthy of Jodi.
The inevitable has finally happened: She told me she's getting married. Next summer. This news has a finality about it, ending any dream that I'd get around to telling her my real feelings when the time was right.
Of course I've had girlfriends myself over the years, but Jodi felt like my soul mate. I'm determined that, if I meet anyone else who fits that description in 2013, I'm going for it. I'll never make the mistake of hiding my true feelings again.
The Biggest Loser
Dear Loser: I'd say Happy Valentine's Day to you, too, but it sounds like happiness isn't a possibility at this time. I'm getting a very good feeling about your Valentine's Day in 2014, though. Write back then and let us know how things worked out with your year of "going for it."
Do you have a question about life or love in Madison? Write Tell All, 101 King St., Madison, WI 53703. Or email tellall@isthmus.com.
