Unrequited Love
Dear Frankie,
Harriet is a cocker spaniel and my best friend. We have been getting together every day at the park for years. On the days I arrive first, I often chat with Jeffrey a Beagle. Recently I was told Jeffrey had a crush on me.
At first, I didn’t give it much thought. Then I realized that Jeffrey was always at the gate to greet me whenever our car pulled into the parking lot.
I think that Jeffrey’s Mom and mine haven’t helped the situation by saying what an adorable couple we make and what a shame we were fixed and couldn’t have puppies. Yesterday they were talking about playdates on the weekends.
I like Jeffrey well enough for a bit of chit-chat, but I have no interest in our relationship going any further. How can I nip this situation in the bud and let him know how I feel without hurting his feelings?
Cordially, Celeste
Dear Celeste,
You are getting pushback from all sides. Everyone has an agenda: Jeffrey wants a girlfriend, and your Mom and Jeffrey’s want a happily ever after. When some women have children of child-bearing age, all they can think about is marriage and grandkids, even in your case, when they know neither is a possibility.
You can’t count on the Moms to help you. Actually, they are part of the problem. Perhaps Harriet could speak to Jeffrey and let him know what’s what. If she feels uncomfortable speaking to him directly, she might speak to one of his pals and suggest he break the news to Jeffrey.
From what you tell me, Jeffrey has a lot to offer as a boyfriend. He can carry on a conversation, has a thoroughbred pedigree, and comes from a good family. A lot of families would kill to have him as a dog-in-law.
You might discreetly ask around the park to see if any of the ladies have her eye on him. I would be surprised if there weren’t several that would be thrilled to date him. Jeffrey may be so focused on you, Celeste, that he doesn’t realize that he is such a good catch.
All it might take to set him straight is to be told straight out: “Jeff, Penny the poodle or Ginger the Whippet thinks you are adorable and would like to get to know you better.”
If Jeffrey is crestfallen when he learns that you are a no-go, at the very least, he will have learned there are lots of canines in the sea.
Best, Frankie
© 2021 Geneva Woodruff
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