Paint & Plant... and sip

Lately I haven't felt much like a wordsmith. And my mind is all over the place. It's hard to focus. I lose words. It's possible I'm at that age. Brain fog. Loss of focus. Forgetting things easier. Perimenopause? Or depression? Not sure. I just know I haven't felt much like myself. 

I'm lonely. But knowing I'm lonely means I'm not spending enough time with God. 

So I saw this reel on Instagram where people paint terracotta pots and plant flowers in them as a party. I decided to do that for my birthday this year and it turned out really fun. I really should have done Paint, Plant and Pour but I did Paint, Plant & Sip. We had a great time. It makes me want to paint a lot more! I bought a paint by number plant calendar. I did the first one this last weekend while listening to an audiobook and it was an excellent way to relax! I am definitely looking forward to doing another month. 

Obsession - So my friend / ex-coworker still works with Obsession and she has been sharing more about him lately. A couple of days ago she shared the following. 

"Obsession" was in my office and saw our Christmas pic, he said "oh, "Clandestine" called me the other day and I never called her back..." I was telling him about going to your house this weekend and he goes "oh, her new house? Is "Husband Creature" still around?" lol like, yeah her new house, not her old one and yes her husband still lives with her. haha - 9/9/26

And today she's telling me he's struggling and always complains about how stressed he is. But she doesn't ask follow up questions so it's very surface level, usually in passing in the hallway. 

no heart to hearts like the ones you guys used to have 9/11/26

I'm so tempted to call him. But honestly, he knows he didn't call me back. If he wanted to, he could. But then I think of how busy and stressed he is. Maybe he'd be happy to hear from me? Do I call him on my extension so he sees my name? Or do I call him from my work cell? And I called him randomly the other day and it rang and rang which means he was on the other line which is fine, but he had the opportunity to call me back. So that's that. I'm not calling him. 

And I just got through reviewing some timelines and honestly, looking back at our friendship... There was more to it. 

He has a ukulele and knows "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz... And I just happened upon the post where I talked about that. On a random side note: Husband Creatures best friend/brother sang Happy Birthday to me on my birthday and it was really cool. I forgot how good he can sing. 

I don't remember Obsession telling me he was going to text me the lyrics to the song "Fun" that stood out to him. The part about "You may not be the one but you look like... fun" and how he got shy sending it. I always remember thinking he didn't confirm he really listened to it. And sure enough he must have. He mentioned it a few weeks after I shared the song with him. 

I also don't remember his wife telling him early on that he couldn't be friends with me! It was EARLY in our friendship, after he baked me cookies. Ugh... I'm so stupid. We were friends from 2018 - 2023... After that everything changed and we barely had any interactions. But really everything changed once I left the place we both worked at. So October 2025... Almost a year with minute connection? No effort. Why... why... why am I so tempted to reach out? He knows it was just MY birthday... If it mattered at all he would make an effort to call me back. 

So work is now bringing me back to the facility Obsession works at on Friday 9/25/26. Part of me wonders if I should call and see if he'll be around. Another part says, leave it be. If I see him, I see him. If I don't, I don't... The last time I didn't try but sort of did and ended up making the whole process get changed... 

9/29/26 - I think it's officially done. In my heart and in my head. I am frustrated with Obsession. I was looking forward to seeing him Friday. I didn't get to see him. I called him and he answered. I asked if he could come out and say hi, he said he wasn't able to. We talked but then I had to go because my other ex-coworker came out to say hi. I told him I would call him back and when I did, he never answered. So I'm done. He doesn't call me back. He doesn't make any efforts to maintain communication. That part of my life is in my past. Just like Colorado and all the others. I guess I always thought we'd maintain a friendship at least. But it looks like he doesn't want to do that. So I have to let it be. 

10/8/26 - Happy Birthday... So long... farewell... auf wiedersehen... goodbye... *Sigh* It only took me 2 years... 

Husband Creature - He and I are doing great... at least right now. But the week before my birthday I thought we weren't going to make it... again. We seriously have such a volatile relationship at times. He loses his shit and I'm left wondering if we're going to make it or if we're done. He says I take things so personally and that marriages have fights, it doesn't always mean we're going to divorce. But it's hard not to take it personal when he says things like... "I don't care anymore Clandestine. I'm done!" I will say the affair made me realize that I know I'm worth so much more than he gives me. And maybe there is a part that expects more from him. I am no longer willing to accept his mediocre efforts. 

But I will say this... Once we talked through our issues... One of them being that we don't feel we can be honest with each other. We talked about a few things we haven't been able to talk about and it felt good. It felt like a turning point. We seem to have a few of them... turning points. 

I have to say though, Husband Creature really came through for my birthday this year. He had a surprise for me Saturday, the day after my birthday. He made sure I didn't make any plans for that day. That I had it completely open. He didn't tell anyone else! It was a complete surprise! 

On Friday, the day of my birthday he took me out to a fancy dinner down at the beach, we went window shopping at the shops, stopped by a place he took me on our first official date, for cupcakes, then he showed me all his old haunts. We decided to stop by his friends house in the area, since he doesn't get to see him too often. When we got there, I was serenaded by his friend and his ukulele (as shared above). We talked for a bit more then I said I was tired and wanted to get home. He still wouldn't tell me what the surprise was and I didn't want to be exhausted if it was an activity. So he suggested I sleep on the way home. Which I did. But I was woken up by seeing that we were off the freeway. When I looked around I noticed we were still a ways from home. Then I saw a sign for the airport. I knew he couldn't be TAKING me on a trip so I knew it meant we were picking someone up! So my first thought was my best friend who moved out of state! He wouldn't tell me. I kept telling him that's the ONLY thing it could be! And sure enough, my best friend and her husband flew out to surprise me for my birthday!!! They could only stay till Sunday but it was awesome! It was such a great surprise and I *really* had NO idea. 

So the reason he wanted me free was just so I could hang out with my best friend all day! With no interruptions. It was really great. And he kept acknowledging how horrible he made my last birthday and he knew he had to make it up to me. It was sweet. He went so far above and beyond anything he's ever really done for me. It was a blessing! 

When it came to our anniversary a couple weeks later, we didn't do much. We ended up going out to lunch. But something I said to him and about our anniversary is that even though it wasn't a milestone year for us, (14th wedding anniversary), it was a MILESTONE YEAR! We made it through hell. We're on the other side of the worst of it. I believe. 

Now... I'm desperately praying for Husband Creature to have an encounter with God. One thing I've realized through his affair is that my Husband Creature has never fully given himself over to the Lord. He's never experienced God's touch in his heart. And if I'm honest, I don't think he's really open to it either. But I feel desperate for some reason. Like Husband Creature is on the verge of a breakthrough or the devil is trying desperately to steal him away for good. All I know is, there is a feeling in the pit of my stomach that says this could go the way I want it to, or it could fail spectacularly. Meaning my marriage could implode. Husband Creature could completely fall off the rails. Or... Ooooor God could get a hold of him and we could have an amazing life and future together. I'm praying for the latter. I'm begging for the latter. I know that I didn't survive the pain of betrayal for nothing. I know God has a plan and will for my Husband Creatures life, for my life... For OUR life. But Husband Creature has free will though... I have to trust that God can reach him. I have to trust that God has me fasting once-a-week to step in the gap for my Husband Creature... for a reason. 

Daydreams in bloom

I have become that person... That daydreams about gardens. I just moved into my first home last September. I can now plant things IN the ground. At our apartment I got obsessed with container gardening. Now... I can daydream about what to do around my home! I've been having a lot of fun coming up with my latest plan. I just need to wait for my Husband Creature to get a job. 

Husband Creature - Things are going *really* well. I am nervous to relax about it because the LAST time I felt that we were doing really well, he went and left a Lego on her car and reached out to her via email and crushed me. So I'm a little nervous to get so confident that we're going to make it. My Husband Creature says we are... and I want to believe him but 4.5 months into our healing process (in March) he threw a wrench in things and made me question his motives and true desires. That was 4 months ago. I want to make it to 6 months of no contact to truly breath a sigh of relief. 

He told me he saw her driving with her boyfriend one morning recently and he thought she looked trashy, kind of like he saw her when we first met. It gave me hope that his heart really has changed towards her. I still hate that she lives so close to us. But I don't drive by and honestly I don't even remember she does most of the time. 

Husband Creature and I went on a road trip. On the way out of town he said he had an epiphany that morning. That I was better in every way than his Affair. I don't know why but I cried.

Obsession - Lately I've been seeing some hits on my old posts and it makes me curious enough to click on them and honestly sometimes I'm shocked at the things that were said between Obsession and I over the years. Compared to other men in my life, he and I got really close! And I've been *really* struggling not to get ahold of him. I almost called him the other day on his work cell. Then I decided to hold off until today. And then I found out from a person that still works there that he left the office. So I guess I'm just not meant to reach out. There is always something that holds me back. Probably for the best. 

The above was written about a month ago... (June 2026)

I need someplace to type rather than picking up my phone and calling Obsession on his work cell with my work cell. 

7/29/26

So I got to see Obsession today! It was not expected, and almost didn't work out. It was rushed. I wished we had more time to catch up. But he looked the same. He seemed happy to see me. And I asked if I could come back after I did what I came to do and he said "Absolutely!" Then I found out I wasn't even supposed to get in as far as I did. And I couldn't go back in to say goodbye. So I pulled the trigger. I called him on his work cell from my work cell. Apologizing for not getting to say goodbye and that if he wanted to call me back on my work cell we could finish catching up. It's now on him. Will he call me? I really would be surprised if he does. But it would be cool if he did. But now I don't have to wonder ya know? 

7/31/26 

I got in my head about it... I wondered if he used his work phone like I use mine. He probably uses his personal like other friends of mine at my old job. So ... I decided to call his extension... he picked up, first ring... I said it was me, he said can I call you back? I have someone in my office. I said sure. He asked where I was calling from, made sure to get the whole number not just my extension... And ... nothing... *sigh* That was hours ago. I know ... He's busy. But what's my favorite movie for situations like this. "He's Just Not That Into You" If he wanted to call he would. 

So that's my answer. I'm officially done. I have tried in the ways I know how. If he wanted to, he would call. I need to let go. 

Happy Birthday Colorado

Colorado - So it's Colorado's birthday today. I was tempted for a hot second to send him a message and then realized it just isn't worth what it could do to me, my marriage (that's already hanging on by a thread), or just everything... So I'll use my Clandestine blog to say Happy Birthday to you Colorado. I do hope you are well. I wish catching up wouldn't cause so many issues. I think about you often (wondering if you do the same) and wonder how you're doing. Men are different creatures. Do they really think about the women from their past like women do? Or maybe I'm an oddity. I'm reminded that you always taught me that what you think of me is none of my business. I forget that concept sometimes and have to remind myself. Thank you for all you taught me over the years. Even though at times I wanted to just throat punch you because you just didn't understand how devastating it all was for a people pleaser like myself. LOL But you are not someone I should have in my life. So I'll put this out there... Because I won't reach out to you directly. 

Geek Photographer - Looking back recently on some of my older posts. It's hard to remember a time that Geek Photographer and I had such a close relationship. He was unhealthy in a lot of ways and honestly I'm confused now knowing he is gay why he would toy with me as much as he did. He actually called me last week. We haven't talked in years. And I really didn't make an effort to catch up. I felt somewhat bad but then rereading the drama between us and I realize I don't have time for people like that in my life right now. I'm not saying he's drama all the time. But I barely have time for the people in my life, let alone someone that makes me feel less about myself. And I know he's changed. I know our dynamic has changed because I was shocked at the earlier dynamic when I read it. I know he came out to me at one point, but apparently it was later in our friendship when I took a break from blogging. 

Obsession - I've been reading some of my entries about Obsession as well. He is not someone I can reach out to to catch up. Not because I haven't been tempted but the opportunity is just not there. He promoted. I have no idea what his new number is. I can't really email him without making his wife upset. I thought about sending him a calendar invite. Made it all clever too. Giving the title "Strategic Alignment Meeting" and the body wouldn't be so obviously a catch up session. (Thanks to ChatGPT) This is what I came up with. 

I was hoping to reconnect and discuss current projects, recent developments, and potential opportunities for collaboration. This meeting will also provide an opportunity to exchange updates and align on any relevant next steps.

If your schedule does not permit, I completely understand. I recognize that your new role likely comes with increased demands and more limited availability for meetings.

I was close to sending it. But it feels like it would be a mistake. He can be somewhat dense so I could imagine if he agreed to the meeting he'd genuinely think there was some collaborative opportunity and would wonder why I was just chit chatting. But ... If his wife saw my name, saw the invite... It just opens up a whole can of worms. And do I really think it would be wise to start reconnecting with him when my marriage is in such a fragile state. 

But after reading some of my posts. I think it is all God's timing. To make sure I don't have distractions and it probably would have pushed me closer to Obsession rather than being able to solely focus on Husband Creature. 

Growth...

"Growth feels uncomfortable because you are stretching"... 

This image really shows a lot of the key words to how the growth has felt... Some days it feels glacially slow. But I do see some progress. I'm trying to have patience with myself and Husband Creature. And challenges always pop up and get in the way of making me feel the growth. And I'm trying to persevere. I've been feeling a bit more hopeful these days. I stopped taking the road that has me passing the Affair's apartment. That's helped immensely. I didn't realize how much it kept me constantly thinking about how Husband Creature stopped to leave a Lego on her car and wondering what that really meant. Or driving by causing my mind to wander and wonder why he picked her. The comparison struggle. I've also stopped talking to Husband Creature about every thought that pops into my head regarding her or the affair. I failed the first day, but after that, any time a concern, fear or question pops into my head I've given it to God. My counselor said my consuming focus of the affair has me overlooking the progress Husband Creature and I have made and I think she is right. 

Though this morning I woke up thinking about some of my fears. Things that Husband Creature has said, that doesn't make sense and knowing he's been a liar... And my own personal thought process makes so much more logical sense, it's hard not to believe my own interpretation than believe my Husband Creature. My interpretation is that my Husband Creature wanted to see if the Affair was still interested. She clearly wasn't so he was stuck staying with me. *Sigh* I have asked Husband Creature every which way I can and he has not once veered from his original statement. He wasn't trying to rekindle anything with her, he genuinely wanted to find out if that's where she lived and to apologize for how things ended. He said it was about closure. The Lego... The Lego is what confuses me. That seems intimate. Hopeful. My brain can't process it any other way. 

I have also been trying to take Husband Creature's compliments without snide comebacks. I didn't realize how often I snapped back when he would call me beautiful. Or if he says he loves me. I want to snap back that he had a funny way of showing it by having an affair. It's hard. It's hard to believe him. Especially knowing he's lied. But I'm working on trust... Not just trusting him but actually trusting God. Knowing God allowed the truth to come out, no matter how much Husband Creature didn't want it to. I am going to trust that God will reveal things. So far, it's been quiet... 

I've been thinking a lot about Obsession. Today in particular. It's the anniversary of his brother's death. I usually reach out. It's been hard not to. He got the promotion he's been trying for since I met him, so 2017... I'm proud of him! I emailed him once I saw the official announcement, hoping that wasn't going to cause an issue. I was pleasantly surprised he replied. A simple thank you for the support throughout the years. But that was it. I was always one of his biggest cheerleaders. I desperately want to message him on Teams but feel like that's the same as email and he's requested I not do that in honor of his wife's wishes. *sigh* 

Life ... As I know it...

Life as I know it... Is forever changed.  I'm trying to find my way back to living in the present and not in the past hurts. My counselor says I've been consumed and it's blinding me to the progress Husband Creature and I have made. 

I find it interesting that I chose a road to express how I am feeling right now. Currently I'm on a kick of listening to 90s music from my high school days, yesterday I wanted a Dr Pepper fountain drink and a Snickers... And honestly it brings me back when life was simpler... Easier. When my bestie and I would just grab a Big Gulp, Snickers and drive around with the windows down, blaring our music... *Sigh* Maybe I need to go for a drive this weekend... 

My counselor is having me read "Forgiving What You Can't Forget" by Lysa Terkeurst. It's challenging me. It hits so close to home. Sometimes I'm left crying because she is describing the exact emotion that's been so hard to articulate. I feel like I'm not alone. And in those moments, I didn't realize how alone I felt. My mom experienced infidelity from my dad. My best friend experienced it as well. But their experiences were so different than my own. And they can't recall the emotions that I'm currently struggling through. 

Well I need to go. I'm just throwing this out there. Need it off my chest. 

Lost

I'm lost. Husband Creature decided after 4 months to be stupid yet again and reached out to his affair. It didn't help that she moved less than a mile (2 fucking minutes) away! Then to find out Husband Creature reached out to her again. He swears it was to apologize for putting her kids in danger with her boyfriend when he called to apologize to the boyfriend about his part in the affair... But how can I not think it was Husband Creature's way of seeing if the door was still open with her!? He left her a Lego air hockey table on her car... They played air hockey. Why the fuck would he do that if he didn't want her to think fondly of him!?!? Am I a fool for taking him back?! Am I being played for a fool? 

He shared that he came back to me partially because he had no where else to go. I'm broken. I'm not sure how to feel about that. That cuts me to the core. I feel like a fool. Such a fool. It makes me feel so sad. So used. So unloved. So angry. He says he came back because he knew he still loved me, he knew we had history and he didn't want to be without me but he was numb during that time... Broken... That now without a doubt he knows he loves me, that he wants to be with only me. Yet... if that was the case then why did he reach out to his affair knowing it would hurt me. He didn't care. He didn't tell me. It went poorly and *that's* what made him decide he was done!? What if she responded favorably? Would he have ever told me he reconnected with her?! And then to have her be within an easy walking distance. Fuuuuuuck... My heart is heavy. It fills me with so much sadness and RAGE that he would reach out to her knowing it would hurt me and yet he STILL didn't care! After all he's done to me and put me through! He still didn't care what it would do to me! I'm so angry. So hurt. So Sad. So lost. I don't know how to let go of this betrayal. 

Hell Fucking Week

Wednesday February 25 - Fasted and pushed for him to get rid of photos

Thursday February 26 - He told me he would NOT get rid of the photos because he just didn't want to

Friday February 27 - He was an ASSHOLE! Just rude, snippy, aggressive ALL day! We fought. I cried on his chest and he told me to please get off of him. 2:30 am I leave the room telling him HE'S the one with the issue NOT me. I was so angry I wanted to scream so I grabbed my purse, got in my car and drove and screamed, cried, yelled at God. Husband Creature texted me to find out where I went and told me he had come to the living room to bring me back to bed. Told me to be safe. I ended up at the spot where he accepted Jesus into his heart. Cried and screamed so hard I tasted blood (ended up losing my voice). I stayed out for over an hour, listening to worship music and crying out to God. Got home and Husband Creature was gentle and loving and wanted to make things right. 

Saturday February 28 - Had a great day

Sunday March 1st - Husband Creature tells me he *thinks* he knows where "P" lives, and tells me why he thinks so. I confirm with Zillow listing photos of the assumed location and photos she posted getting her keys. She's literally 0.8 miles away from us on a main road we travel EVERY.FUCKING.DAY! 

Monday March 2nd - I find out from a mutual friend that Husband Creature had reached out to "P" on Friday and they had multiple emails back and forth (the day he was a COMPLETE asshole!). I confronted him on the phone, he swore he meant to tell me but our busy weekend he never had the right moment. Later that evening I confirmed he lied earlier in the day about leaving a Lego on her car earlier in the week, he had and STILL at this moment can't tell me WHY he did it (he can't remember what day it was either). Cried, yelled, squawked with no voice. He asked me to come home to talk. I left work on a personal day. He apologized, asked forgiveness, asked me to pray for him in that moment and ended the prayer he asked God to forgive him. He agreed to give me a USB of all photos he had of her/them and I smashed it with a hammer. He tells me he will NEVER reach out to her again unless he talks to me and I agree it's ok in the future. He swears he loves me and this apparently showed him he still had a sliver that needed to be removed. That he got the closure he needed. Though now this sets me back a good couple of months of repair because of all the lies and deceit and doing something he told me he wouldn't do. My heart hurts.  

Thursday - 3/5/26 - Fasting... Struggling... Angry... See above... 

One thing I will say is through all of this... God has shown me how he has orchestrated this week. I don't know how I would have handled the news if I hadn't fully melted down on Friday night. I was shown the lies. I mean FULL ON lies. I was able to approach Husband Creature and explain why his statements didn't make sense and I would find out more. It was painful but I'm grateful God didn't stop us from getting it all out in the open. 

And knowing God has revealed things to me... I was walking and suddenly it hit me, maybe Obsession's wife gave him an actual order never to return my calls. I know it sounds silly but it's possible. And the idea came out of nowhere so I think it could be possible. Somehow it makes me feel better. 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! 

I'm starting the year with a new perspective. There were a few months of 2025 that sucked ass... My Husband Creature and I almost didn't make it. We're still recovering. Going to counseling. But I think we're on our way to restoration. 

He had an emotional affair (nothing like my infatuation with Obsession, he had a full blown emotional affair)... I'm not sure I want to go into the details just yet. It's still too raw.

But one thing I will say is God gave me the strength to make it through even though it was THE toughest season of my life (thus far)... I'm 48 years old and have been married for 13 years, together for 15. I have never experienced so much emotional pain. I couldn't eat. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't journal. My brain was unable to put two cohesive thoughts together. I cried. I spent a lot of time just listening to worship music. Crying, praying and asking God to bring my Husband Creature back to me. 

Now... My Husband Creature *is* back to me. We are doing fairly well considering. He's opened his eyes to his stupidity. He is remorseful and apologetic. He is doing everything in his power to put the pieces back together. We've had to makeshift some of the shattered pieces while the wounds are healing. 

It's an odd thing... I have some people that consider me taking him back as an act of strength. I've also had friends ask me what's wrong with me for being willing to accept him back. Honestly, either way would have been hard. If I had gone through with the divorce (yes, it got to the point where I paid the retainer for a lawyer and got the paperwork ready), it would have been a different kind of hard. Staying together... is hard. The pain, the hurt, the insecurities.... It's a lot. But I also know God wants restoration. God wants marriages to stay committed. The enemy wants to kill, steal and destroy. I had every right, biblically, to walk away from my marriage. And I told my Husband Creature, I can live without him... I just didn't want to. That's not my desire. 

When my Husband Creature was knee deep in his... sin... I did start to think about starting over, the freedom I would have. I thought about reconnecting with Colorado. I thought about how Obsession's wife must have felt with our connection. I thought about dating again. There was a brief moment I thought it would be easier to walk away. But every time I prayed I felt God tell me... You're in this for the "Long Haul"... Before I even realized it was an emotional affair. I knew something broke in my Husband Creature. I felt it was God's way of stating that He wanted me to give Husband Creature a chance. And I did have stipulations for my Husband Creature. I did share that if he decided to be stupid again, that was it, I wouldn't take him back. That this was it. That he had to be sure he really wanted me. And if he wasn't sure... walk away and when he was sure, then come back and see if I'm still available. He said he knew my value, that he didn't want to let me go. That he felt foolish and dumb and wished it never happened. 

I know my value. I know I'm worth more than what he did to me and our marriage vows. I know that I'm a catch. I know there are guys out there that would consider themselves lucky to have me. I know... Without hesitation that I have more value than the thing that attached itself to my Husband Creature for a couple of months. She proved her character or lack thereof. Disturbingly that also means my Husband Creature has shown his character as well. But he is at least apologetic and remorseful for what he's done. He is doing everything I need him to, to repair our marriage. And even as painful as it was, Husband Creature told me the truth... Always. She, on the other hand, lied to my face numerous times even after I confronted her with the truth! 

Though it was interesting to share with Husband Creature that I felt like I could move on, that I would be ok without him. Part of me wonders if that's our problem. I'm not needy enough. He tends to feel drawn to women that are broken and befriends them. It's been an issue throughout our marriage. Someone gave him the title "Captain Save-A-Hoe" and I literally had to burst out laughing. It's truly fitting. All of the women he tends to try to "save" even throughout our marriage. He finds broken women and always wants to offer to help them. Most were innocent enough, but there were moments I would get insecure and he'd shine me on. Now... He pays attention. 

As far as Obsession... We haven't had much luck connecting. We spoke for a hot second before the holidays and he found out I was giving my Husband Creature another chance. He said he had been wondering. (I had told him when I wasn't sure if we were going to make it. We had a long conversation at that time.) This time, I didn't even get to explain how or why before he had to rush off. I'm reminded of the movie "He's Just Not That Into You". I know Obsession isn't *into* me. But sometimes I feel like our friendship has faded to nothing. I almost feel like I'm annoying him. Though at times he mentions he thinks about me and is too busy to call me back. That's when I go to the movie... If he wanted to he would make an effort to call me back. He's better in person. I miss him. Our talks. How he made me feel interesting and engaging. Looking back, if Obsession had ever reciprocated my feelings, who's to say I wouldn't be the one stating that I had an emotional affair. Maybe that's why I'm more willing to forgive. I know how easy it is to get entangled in your feelings. 

The above was originally written January 8th, 2026. 

So as of right now, I left a voicemail for Obsession yesterday that basically said, I'm not sure if you're super busy or I'm just not getting the hint but I hoped he was doing well... No call back. So I'm going to take that as my sign NOT to reach out anymore. I'm sad. But it will be for the best. It's clear he's just not interested in maintaining a friendship. Or just too busy to reach out. Either way, I know at one point he had hoped to keep up the friendship. When I called him to say goodbye he said I had his number and to stay in touch. But how many voicemails can I leave unanswered and feel like I'm becoming an annoyance? I don't feel I'm over-reacting either. In the matter of a couple of months I've left a few messages, none of them have been returned. The last time one was returned was prior to his birthday which was in October. I called him and he picked up and that was when we spoke for less than 1 minute before he had to hop off. It was also when I told him I was working on my marriage. Not sure if that made him uncomfortable or what. He said he would call back and hasn't since. *Sigh* So moving on...