We met on a project six years ago and became friends. Honestly, at some point, I wanted more than friendship. I had feelings for her, but she was dating a guy she believed she would eventually marry. She introduced me to him, and we even became buddies. We hung out together often. Later, she introduced one of her friends to me, and we started dating.

Unfortunately, that relationship with her friend only lasted seven months. We had to break up because she was still in touch with her ex. Once again, I was single, but Nana Ama never left my side—and neither did her boyfriend.

I travelled outside Ghana for three months to work on a project. By the time I returned, Nana Ama and her boyfriend were no longer together. They had dated for four years. I was shocked—I had no idea their relationship was on the rocks. Even though Nana Ama and I talked regularly while I was away, she never mentioned anything about their breakup until I returned.

Two years passed, and I still saw her as just a friend. I had recently gone through another breakup, and she was there to help me navigate the tough times. But suddenly, she started behaving in ways that made me uncomfortable. She would come to my place and change clothes in my presence. Even when I closed my eyes or complained, she brushed it off, telling me not to act like a child.

A few days ago, she sent me a long message, pouring her heart out. She detailed all the heartbreaks I had unknowingly caused her. Some of them, I wasn’t even aware of. She ended the message with, “The sad thing is, you don’t see me as a woman. What’s wrong with me that you don’t see me?”

Because of this, she decided to sever our friendship, saying she wanted to go where “another man will look at her and see a woman.”

Where we’ve come from and the trajectory of our friendship don’t allow us to be lovers. Yes, I once had feelings for her, but that phase ended the moment she introduced her boyfriend to me. Since then, all I’ve seen in her is a friend—in fact, a very good friend I could go through life with. But she wants more. More than I can give. And because I can’t give her that, she’s cutting ties.

Now, she won’t answer my calls. She reads my messages but doesn’t respond. I’ve been to her place three times, but she won’t open the door.

Nana Ama, I know you’ll read this because you always share posts from here with me. Don’t throw away this friendship because of feelings.

How a Long-Distance Relationship Unveiled His Double Life

If we were lovers, I don’t think we’d still be here. Love can be fleeting—it has a way of turning beautiful things to dust. Let’s not try it. Let’s not force it. What we had as friends was beautiful, so why change it?

I want you back in my life, I really do. I’ll help you find your better half, and you can help me find mine. That’s who we should be—friends, not lovers. Please listen and let’s get back to being us again.

— Melvin

This story you just read was sent to us by someone just like you. We know you have a story too. Email it to us at submissions@silentbeads.com. You can also drop your number and we will call you so you tell us your story.

******