Background

The original title for this love letter to my sweetheart was "Sorry".  Early on in our relationship my sweetheart became a little overwhelmed.  When she signed up with eHarmony, she really wasn't looking to get into a serious relationship.  In my own little way, I was what she was looking for.  I just arrived earlier and with more intensity than she was ready for.  The morning after a very nice phone call, I received an e-mail saying that she needed to take some time for herself.  She called me a few days later.  I was trying to understand what was troubling her, when she said she had to go (sounding like she was on the verge of tears).  Over the next couple of days, I sent her a few upbeat e-mails, but never received any response.  I was concerned that I might never hear back from her.  Since I had some extra time on my hands, I decided to write a goodbye letter.  I thought of it as writing my own Dear John letter.  I wrote the letter and saved it.  I decided that if I hadn't heard from her by Friday, I probably would never hear back from her.  So I was going to send Dear John on Friday.  She called back on Thursday.  I have read Dear John to her (quite a few times, actually), but I never sent it.

Can a Dear John letter be a love letter?  Read it.  I think it is very tender, sweet... and yes, loving.  I think Dear John is a love letter.  You can decide for yourself.

Dear Tammy,

Since you haven't responded to my e-mails and I haven't heard from you since Monday evening, I assume you are pretty upset with me.  I am sorry about that.  I was trying very hard to understand you, where you were at and how I could best fit into your life.  I am sorry if that made you frustrated or unhappy with me.  I guess I have moved from the "Friend Zone" to "The Dead Zone" (or "The End Zone").  The saddest thing for me is that I never got to meet you.  I never got to look into your eyes and see your smile.  I never got to give you and receive a BIG, HUGE hug.  I missed out on ALL those big hugs you promised me!! (smile)

If I ever made you smile, if I ever made you laugh, if I ever brought any joy into your life, I hope you would consider doing me two favors.  First, I would really appreciate it if you could send me a nice picture of yourself.  I would like to finally see the person that so intrigued me,  whose inner beauty I so admired.  And please don't make me beg.  Please, please, please... (smile)  Second, if sometime in the future you find yourself in a better place and the memories of a man with a good heart that could touch your heart outweigh the memories of his shortcomings, I hope you will give me a call.  I really would like that. 

With that said, I wish you well and I will miss you.

Thinking of you fondly,

Tim

Related page: How to write a break up letter