Here is the deal, I have been screwed over way too many times emotionally because other people are stupid.  Yes, I said it, other people are stupid.  Not me, them.  They and their insecurities, their inabilities to commit, and their lack of intelligence and compassion for others is what has led to the downfall of many friendships or the failure of possible romantic interests being explored.  I am pretty much at the point where I do not care anymore.  Don’t get me wrong, I still want someone to hold, kiss, have lusty, passionate sex with, and engage with on a deep, intellectual level as well as gain emotional security/stability.  But the whole head-over-heels-butterflies-in-my-stomach-can’t-get-you-out-of-my-head thing is such a thing of the past.  I no longer care for it.  I mean it’s bad enough that last night I get a random text from someone proclaiming their depression because of their love for me, and in my head I’m going, “Holy shit, someone is actually in love with me!”  The whole thing turned out to be a case of a wrong number and dumb ass Verizon or Cricket or whoever the hell this person’s phone service is getting their wires crossed.  For all I know, some guy in New Mexico is putting a gun to his head because the girl he sent that text to hasn’t replied to him, which he’ll interpret as her way of saying she’s not interested, and thus his life is concluded in a violent death that’ll inspire many to write romance novels about love obsessed teens and their inability to cope when someone does not love them back. 

Hell, now I have to feel guilty for receiving a text meant for someone else.  Great. 

But, no, in all seriousness though, I’m getting mixed signals from people lately.  Look, if I turn you on or you’re interested in me, that’s great, but I’m not going to chase you or play games.  I’m not going to waste my nights in bed trying to analyze that look you gave me that went beyond two seconds.  I’m not going to assume that your friendly smile or pat on my shoulder means you’re fighting some powerful urge to jump my bones.  Nor am I going to pursue anyone who is not capable of admitting their feelings to themselves.  I am done with that crap.  If you like me, say it.  There’s no guarantee that I’ll like you back, but I’ll respect you for saying so.  I’ll be your friend because trust me, friendship from this guy is one of the greatest gifts you’ll ever receive while you’re plowing your way through this deathtrap of a world.  Drop the games.  Drop the hints.  Drop the seductive gaze and flirtatiousness - WE ARE NOT IN HIGH SCHOOL ANYMORE. 

That is all.

Written by Arthur C. McWilliams IV