Thinking about a summer love

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Q.

Sometime ago, while in college, I was in a relationship. Our summer plans, though, kept us apart, and I ended up caught up in a summer romance with a fantastic guy I was working with. The summer guy was aware that I had a college boyfriend, but we were drawn to each other nonetheless. 

After the summer was over, I went right back to my college boyfriend, and now I feel so much guilt and remorse for what I did. I never told my college boyfriend, but the summer guy learned of that later through a mutual acquaintance. I have no excuse for what I did and the poor way I handled it. 

It was a situation I flubbed in part because I lacked the maturity required to do the difficult thing. Now, years later, I sometimes wonder if I should write a letter of apology to the summer guy or if I am best to leave things alone and not dredge up what must be a painful experience I created.

– Filled with Regret

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A.

I’m not sure why you think Summer Guy is the one who deserves the apology. What about your college boyfriend, the guy who didn’t know you had the fling?

My guess: you’re looking for permission to reach out to Summer Guy because you want to. Maybe you’ve been checking him out on social media and like what you see. Perhaps you want to know if there’s still a connection.

If that’s the case – and you’re single – reach out. Why not? He might ignore you, but it’s also possible he’ll say, “Wow, we were both young. I wonder what this person is up to now.”

You don’t have to pretend your interest is all about an apology.

If this really is about saying sorry – and nothing more – I guess you can do that. I’m just not sure it’s a very big deal. 

– Meredith

Readers? Does Summer Guy need closure? When you look back at your own immature decisions, do you want to send apologies or let go and move on?

Send your own anonymous relationship, dating, and friendship questions to [email protected] or fill out this form.

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