dearest emily, i’ve recently come to realize i don’t know how to make my relationship with my boyfriend work. we are a few years apart in age and can’t seem to meet up maturity wise. i love him dearly but i know he’s too emotional and dramatic to be friends after a break up. but i still love him and want him around. how do i handle this? right now i’m trying to give it another chance but i feel inside it can’t work. so we’re both just miserable and fighting on and off. 3

11 1 / 2011

Anonymous asked: dearest emily,
i've recently come to realize i don't know how to make my relationship with my boyfriend work. we are a few years apart in age and can't seem to meet up maturity wise. i love him dearly but i know he's too emotional and dramatic to be friends after a break up. but i still love him and want him around. how do i handle this? right now i'm trying to give it another chance but i feel inside it can't work. so we're both just miserable and fighting on and off.

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Dear Carrot Forwardslash Three,

I never thought it was possible to keep someone in your life if they once had a very special place in your heart. But anything is possible—just ask Richard Gere or the gerbil that once lived inside his anus (and his heart).

All it takes is a little honesty, a lot of time and thousands of dollars to cover the cost of a very expensive therapist. You say your dude is dramatic and emotional but remember that breakups are dramatic and emotional. Maybe you’re kind of cold and insensitive. Have you considered that? We all have our faults.

Listen. If you truly love him, let him go and don’t contact him for 3-6 months. Give him enough time to get over you. The next time you see him (as friends), bring him a small token of your platonic affection. Perhaps a small pet to keep him occupied now that he’s single. You’re probably smart enough to see where this is going.

Tickles!

Emily