This anecdote felt candid to me. In another time, the unrequited lover may have written a note to share. I've heard tell of people using cue cards, writing it

This anecdote felt candid to me. In another time, the unrequited lover may have written a note to share. I've heard tell of people using cue cards, writing it on their hands, practicing in front of mirrors. The need to get ones painful feelings out of the head and onto something physical is common. The most common is just telling your friends and family about it. The author mentions doing this, and note how their advice to end it is just flat ignored. There is nothing more bittersweet than unrequited love. The bitterness is painful but the sweetness is just too valuable.