Dear You

I've just stumbled across a blog called 'Dear You', which accepts post from anyone and everyone who can write a sentence or a paragraph or a whole essay to one person that they want to forgive, forget, remember or regret. The only thing is, you replace their name with 'You'. I've been reading through a lot of these for the last hour, and during that time, have come up with a small piece that I want to write. Sounds a bit silly and trivial, but I suppose, it could be ... therapeutic?

...

Dear You,

I was new to this. It had taken me years to accept me for me and you were the first person I had met when I had accepted it. I know we talked for what seemed like ages beforehand, possibly months, met up a few times for a drink, all the usual stuff. But when I took the plunge and went on a night out with you for the first time, despite horrific nerves and negative scenarios flooding my mind, it felt real. It felt as if we were both as nervous as each other, yet both as excited aswell. Although the alcohol flowed that night, I will always remember it as one of the most enjoyable, scary, nerve-wracking yet unbelievable nights of my life. Dancing the night away, as, despite it being early days, I honestly felt as if I had found you. We had things in common, you were funny and quirky and seemed to get on with everyone as if you had known them for years and were old school friends. I even got on well with your friends, although this hardly mattered at the time.

Then I panicked. As I have a tendency to do, the morning after the night before, all sorts of negativity washed over me, and I spent a week on the edge of reason. I worried about the distance, (although it wasn't exactly miles...) I worried whether it was just the alcohol talking and even though 12 hours earlier it "hardly mattered", I was scared that your friends had disliked me, and you would side with them. I seem to remember thinking that I couldn't put myself through that, and just cut myself off from you. Ever since then, I regret it. It was a while ago now, but a few weeks back, I thought about "re-adding" you, before realising its probably much too late. You've probably found someone by now, as you were always the easiest guy to get along with. I hope you're happy though. You do deserve it.

Anyway, I'm just writing this to say thank you. Although it didn't work out, and it was practically my fault for not giving any potential relationship we could have had to blossom, you helped me in many more ways than you could possibly imagine. On how to open up to people, (a challenge I still find difficult, but much easier now), on how to be confident and approachable. I will always endeavour to help others, just as you helped me. I could say you were an inspiration. And I will.

...

I could write these letters for a few people that I have come across in life. Best friends, old friends, ex-colleagues and even teachers. So many people have had a positive influence on my life, it is almost impossible to acknowledge them all.

It's important to remember that, above the 1% of evil that is reported in the media, there are 99% remaining of the population, all of which are wonderful in their own special way. The human race really is awesome, isn't it?