Another Rejection
Dear [El],
At camp, I never heard you voice any discomfort with the playful tickling and singing. You never asked me to stop, and from your laughter and the way you leaned into me at times when I did it, you seemed to enjoy it thoroughly. I don’t know why, now, you’re claiming that it made you uncomfortable. You seemed quite comfortable at the time. Nor did you ever tell me that you were in love with someone else, except for that guy in 2001 (Scott was it?) who came to camp that summer to visit. But on him, you said that you guys broke up.
Not that I had any designs on forming a long-term relationship with you. I mean, if things had progressed that far, I would have spent time considering the possibility. But it wasn’t something I was trying to maneuver you into. I just don’t care for the imposed limits on how far things might go.
Sorry you feel the way you do about the age difference. You know, my Mom dates a guy who is 30 years younger than she is. In fact, he is 10 years younger than me! I’m not crazy about the guy (I admit), but that is not because I think he’s too young for my mom. He has lots of other issues that have nothing to do with his age. But, she seems to like him. You know what? Age differences really aren’t such big deals, once people become adults, in my humble opinion.
Don’t worry. This sort of thing (as you call it) will indeed stop. I’ll never touch you again, in any way, shape, or form. I’ll not be playfully joking around with you either. I am appalled at how you reacted to my interest in expanding our friendship a little. I believe that you definitely over reacted here.
As far as continuing to be your friend goes: I am indifferent as to whether we stay friends or not. Now I don’t want us to be enemies. And I would definitely like to keep things cordial (even if we become enemies). But as far as maintaining a friendship goes (emailing, calling, hanging out at camp, and such), I really don’t care either way. So, if you want to continue, keep writing. If not, don’t worry. I understand.
Sorry we had this misunderstanding. But these happen from time to time in most any friendship.
