Dear 'Albert'

We've known of each other for over a year now, but it wasnt til barely a year ago that we actually started hanging out. We first went on a roadtrip with someone else, then had lunch together, and just got to know each other. We spent a lot of time together after that - gambling, running, taking a spontaneous roadtrip, eating out, going to movies, emailing back and forth. You put your arm around me once, then started hugging me goodbye everytime we parted. I thought nothing of it other than you were just getting more comfortable with me. I thought things were cool, you were becoming a good friend, when suddenly, after I came back from my trip, you were very distant. Your emails were brief if at all, then non existent, you don't want to hang out, you don't call anymore unless it is work related and even then it is via email only.

Now the question that has been bothering me all this time must be asked - why? All of a sudden, you avoid me. We work in a gossip mill...Was it because certain people at work started talking? Plenty of people have made it a point to bring you up to me. Were you influenced by someone who had no qualms about talking shit about me the previous summer and I barely even know her? Did you hear rumors [which are untrue] of me at work? Did I say something to offend you? My friends think that maybe you were interested in something more, but since I didn't show the same signs, you backed off. I have no idea. I never thought of it as anything more than being friends. I never think people are interested in pursuing something unless they say so. It's hard to tell by people's actions anymore, and their words...

After asking what was going on between us, your cousin told me that if you were ignoring me, I would know why. No, I don't. Call me clueless, whatever. I am blank. So whatever the reason, I'd like to know. Even if we don't become friendly again, which I wish were not so, as you are a very sweet guy and I truly enjoyed your company.

THP