text: I've been writing letters to my future self for a while now. This is one that I recently found from a while ago, and it really hit home for me. ********************************* Dear future self, One day, you will take her for granted. One day, she will just be a normal part of your life, part of your routine. You will think that since you've been together for so long, you won't need to even try anymore. When that day comes, I want you to come back to this journal and read this passage, because I have a few things to say to you. Firstly, fuck you. You're an asshole. You'll probably try to rationalize taking her for granted, telling yourself that you're still a good guy and it's her fault for not trying harder. Don't delude yourself, you're an asshole and you need to accept it. You are the antagonist. Secondly, stop and think. Think of before you met, and how lonely you were. Think of those late summer nights that you spent alone, outside, on the deck of your porch just wishing you had someone to share your feelings with. Think of how happy she had made you when you first spoke, and how ecstatic you had been when she told you that she liked you. Think about how in-love you were, once upon a time, and about how you wanted nothing else but to show her sweet, romantic gestures just to make her smile. And finally, think of her. Think of how she must feel now that you no longer open the door for her, or kiss her on the forehead, or tell her she's beautiful. Just stop and think. Lastly, if you're truly out-of-love with her, try to fall back in. Remember those simple, happy moments: staring at each other from across the room, and laying on the grass, and talking walks and holding hands. Remember why you fell in love in the first place. Remember how that old couple responded when they were asked, "How have you two managed to stay in love for so long?" "We just never fell out of love at the same time." Lastly, remember that if none of that works, it may be time to let her go. Even though it scares you, even though you fear change, quit being a pussy and just tell her. If you can't keep her happy, let her find someone else that will. These are your rules of love, future self. Remember them.