Mr. Peter Pan,
We fell in love by accident. We were inexperienced, wide-eyed 19 year-olds living on a college campus. Your innocence and joy refreshingly contrasted the
intimidating, insincere, sex-seeking fraternity boys I seemed to attract.
You were so new to everything: physically, emotionally, and romantically. Your carefree attitude was inspiring and liberating. Above all, being with you was easy. We were both trusting, independent people who approached everything with optimism and honesty.
But things changed. You started to love me more.
I planned to study abroad during your last semester. I respectfully discussed my concerns, but you dismissed them and sent me overseas with a smile and a plethora of gifts. As the months passed, your jealousy of my experiences was apparent. Your passive aggressive comments about missing your graduation and sporting events exemplified your resentment for me. I brushed off these comments and we continued to be happy.
But things changed. I started to love you more.
When I came home from Europe we lived 45 minutes apart. Me: no longer a wide-eyed ignorant little girl, and now seeing the world through a new lens. You: no longer a college student, and now seeing the world no differently than before.
I was ambitious. I sought out challenging entrepreneurial opportunities and filled out graduate school applications. You were complacent. You were still with the same job that you had two years ago.
I tried creating new adventures for us to experience; you weren’t interested. I wanted to see you more than every two months; you didn’t have time for me. I bought us a hotel room for Valentine’s Day; you didn’t touch me.
I forcibly created romance but you didn’t love me anymore. You resented my ambition and experience abroad, but I turned a blind eye because we were blissfully happy as the people we once were.
Peter, you will always be that nineteen-year-old boy who cannot talk about or dream about things beyond his own Neverland. Although you deeply broke me, I am happy I am growing up.
Sincerely,
Wendy Darling
[Lead image via gpointstudio/Shutterstock]
Growing Apart
