Dear T,

You are correct when you say we have unfinished business. But I have no hope that we will finish it.

You love me. I love you. But love is not enough. I need some cooperation and consideration.

Real progress can only be made face to face. But I left you for good reasons and those reasons remain in place.

What would happen if I returned? Would you continue to withhold your smile? Would you continue to kick me when I am down?

I am very upset at your use of the word “ultimatum”. How can I tell you what I want with that word hanging over my head? Don’t reject my requests outright. Come back with a counter offer. See if we can’t find a solution that will meet at least some of my needs.

I am very upset at your use of the word “sound bite”. How can I tell you how I feel with that word hanging over my head? Don’t reject my feelings just because I think clearly and speak concisely. Listen harder!

I hit the nail on the head when I said you make the good times better and the bad times worse. If I arrive upset I generally leave feeling even worse. Comparisons are odious, but when I see Mr T I always come out feeling happy and settled.

You are a destabilising influence. I have enough instability in my life already.

Before I come back, I need to know that you are going to listen. I need to know that my goals are your goals. And most of all, I need you to stop hurting me.

Love,

CE