Dear Jess (Letter I Handwrote Almost a Decade Ago)

Dear Jess,

I hope your day is going well.

This will more than likely come as a surprise to you, considering we haven't spoken much. And when we have, I haven't said much. At best, any hints I gave were subtle. Nonetheless, I want assure you this sentiment (based primarily on a number of observations I have made since your arrival) is genuine. To be crystal clear, I like you. At this point, I have liked you for a while. The truth is there are many things I admire about you, and here are just a few:

I like your sense of urgency, the way you run every workout and race as though it is your last, even though you are only a freshman.

I like the way you aren't afraid to compete with the best collegiate runners and give them a run for their money.

I like how well you balance your work as a student and your work as an athlete (I could certainly learn from your example).

I like how close your bond is with your sister, Sam, especially since I have two younger siblings.

I like the way you don't hesitate to take on challenging opportunities to test your strength, like when you join the guys for workouts.

I like the way you apply your time and energy to take care of your body in the training room before and after practices.

I like how you don't try to repress the emotions (elation, disappointment, etc.) you feel after workouts and races.

I like your unique quirks that make you who you are, like the way you turn your wrist upside down to check the time on your watch :)

Most of all, I like all of the components of your attractive personality. I like that you are intelligent in your academic work, tenacious in your running, caring in your relationships, exemplary in your leadership, mature in your outlook. inspirational in your success, mild in your temperament, reserved in your demeanor, persistent in your performance, outstanding in your attitude, charming in your spirit, good in your nature, and, most importantly...kind in your heart.

I hope hearing this does not alarm you or make you feel uncomfortable. That was not my intention when I chose to write this. My desire is to articulate to you how I feel and why. Considering I am a quiet introvert (believe it or not) that does not have much experience initiating conversations with girls, I figured it would be wisest for me to do so through the use of the written word.

I apologize in advance if this letter has frightened you, rather than flattered you. As I already mentioned, I know this probably seems quite sudden and unexpected. However, in all honesty, I have been debating whether I should write this for weeks now.

If my feelings of attraction toward you might even be slightly reciprocated (or you think there is the possibility they could be given more time as friends), I would be delighted if you somehow responded to me. If you are interested and want to hear more from me, you can text or call me at ***-***-****. If you so wish, you can also talk to me in person (I live in Vandiver Hall, room 205). If for some reason you feel compelled to write back to me, that is fine too. Please use whatever form of communication makes you feel most comfortable (particularly since that's what I did).

On the other hand, if you feel indifferent to or repulsed by the idea that I have a crush on you, just let me know. If that is the case, I will let my feelings go and we can carry on normally as friends. The same applies if you feel that you are not in a place for someone to be expressing these feelings about you at the moment or if you are already committed to a relationship.

To put it simply, you have so many wonderful qualities, I'm interested in getting to know you better, and I'd like to go on a date with you at some point in the future. But, of course, it all depends on your level of interest.

Either way, whatever you decide, I hope this letter helps you to recognize (or serves as a reminder of) what a terrific and lovely individual you are. I look forward to continue watching your growth and development as both a runner and person at UGA. Your best years are definitely still ahead of you, Jessica.

Yours Truly,

Stephen Martinez

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

It's better to look back on life and say: "I can't believe I did that." than to look back and say: "I wish I did that."

P.S. If it is okay with you and doesn't cause you too much stress, I would prefer the contents of this letter be kept between just the two of us, at least for now. I only ask this because I  wish to avoid the potential for unnecessary gossip/drama within our team as well as the humiliation that accompanies public rejection (in the event that you are disinterested). Regardless, If you absolutely feel the need to share this information with someone else, like Sam or Nely, I will understand.