When a woman can bear to wound her partner’s heart by texting another man, yet cannot bear to hurt that other man’s feelings for her partner’s sake, it cuts deeply. It feels like being struck over and over again; breaking something inside that will never quite heal. When she falls for someone new, it’s as if all you ever did for her fades from memory. For men, love runs differently. When we love sincerely, letting go isn’t simple. We choose to miss the woman we love because the ache of longing hurts less than losing her once more. And once someone walks away, trust never fully returns. Some part of you always fears she’ll do it again. You may leave someone you love. No one can hold you back. But if you do, leave kindly. Every heart deserves gentleness, every soul deserves dignity. In the end, people may forget your words and actions, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

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The note I’ve kept for years; written, deleted, and rewritten countless times. I don’t like writing things like this, but deep down, I know I’m still hurt. I’m still angry at myself for feeling angry at her, when it wasn’t her fault for leaving me and choosing her own path, her own partner. Why is moving on so difficult? Is it because the love ran too deep or because of the regret I carry within myself?

Batu Ferringhi, Penang

October 15, 2025