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Predicament of the Week
In which Breakup Girl addresses the situation that has, this week, brought her the most (a) amusement, (b) relief that it is happening to someone else, and/or (c) proof that she could not possibly be making this stuff up.

Dear Breakup Girl,

I have an ex living in the same town who is locally famous and nationally semi-known. Needless to say, this has made getting over the relationship harder, not to mention that we never have really had closure, in that she mentions regretting breaking us up and says her latest album is all about the end of our relationship (the album is terribly sad, though excellent and getting rave reviews). Despite this, I have gone forward with my life, returning to school for a masters, new job, friends, etc... though I have to confess I still think about her daily (this is two years after the breakup).

Lately, the situation has worsened, as a mutual friend has returned to town. This mutual friend is in love with my ex, though she insists she isn't gay (that's another story). She so wants to please my ex that she has tricked me into "running into" my ex (a trick engineered by the ex). She also constantly talks about my ex and reports my behavior/goings on back to the ex. The ex has a girlfriend; I do not. At our last meeting, we kissed, she spoke of all of her regret, etc. I think I still love her, though I don't know that we could work things out, especially until the girlfriend is out of the picture (which looks like might happen any day). I tend to think she still loves me -- you might too, if you could hear the album. But, she is quite young and I don't think she knows how to handle any of this. What should I do? Ditch the mutual friend and keep trying to forget the ex? Stay friends with the mutual friend and try to be friends with the ex (which is impossible because of the level of attraction)? Thanks.

--Rita

Dear Rita,

Okay, that's hellish. Post-breakup, when you turn on the radio and say, "God, it's like every song is about me!" you're correct.

That said, it's a wonder you've come as far as you have. That said, this "friend" has precipitated a major setback. There's gotta be some sort of calypso/country crossover song out there about this Bermuda Love Triangle. Or there oughta be. Is anyone really "friends" here? Should anyone be? Oh, I don't know, not even if you hum a few bars. Your ex is confused and taken, after which point she'll be confused and rebounding. Your "friend" is a meddling nightmare. Turn them both down -- for now -- and listen to your own CDs.

Love,
Breakup Girl

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