A netizen recently shared with Xuan, opening up about years of pursuing a girl who seems just out of reach. The writer, who is older by a year, revealed that the girl has far more relationship experience, making the pursuit even more complicated.
“At first, I knew she had a boyfriend, so I stayed quiet and kept my distance,” the letter reads. But when she eventually broke up, the netizen began actively reaching out—chatting daily, texting constantly, and making time to meet for meals or casual outings whenever possible. “Even if she only had a little time for me, I felt satisfied,” they admitted.
The writer had believed that the girl’s actions indicated mutual interest. Small intimate gestures and hints of jealousy when the netizen met other women made them think she had feelings in return. Motivated by this, they gradually limited contact with other potential romantic interests. However, recent developments have shattered these assumptions.
In recent months, the netizen discovered that the girl still maintains contact with her ex, even meeting him for meals. Although she insists they are “just friends,” the netizen observed that he is always her first choice whenever she has free time or needs help. “Why, when we meet, does she always prioritize him over me?” the letter questions.
Despite their efforts to please her—including buying items she mentioned liking and investing emotionally—the girl has grown increasingly indifferent. “I feel torn,” the netizen confesses. “Part of me wants to let go, but another part can’t bear it.”
One commentor quoted animator Hayao Miyazaki once said: “If you like someone, take a few steps toward them. But if they don’t meet you halfway, then stop. Some things can be earned through effort, but love cannot.” This sentiment has sparked a lively discussion online about the struggles of unrequited love.
Many netizens shared personal reflections, agreeing that sometimes the feeling that someone likes you back is just an illusion. One user wrote, “You’ve probably heard it before—when you feel like the person you like likes you too, usually you’re mistaken.”
Others offered practical—but blunt—advice on moving forward: “Giving one girl ten chances is less fulfilling than giving ten girls one chance. You’ll be happier,” commented another netizen, highlighting the importance of not investing all hope into one-sided affection.
The discussion has resonated with many, especially young adults navigating dating and relationships in a world full of mixed signals. As Miyazaki’s words remind us, love cannot be forced, and sometimes the healthiest choice is to stop chasing and redirect energy elsewhere.
