I’m trying to give myself a real fresh start, you know? I want to start living in the actual city where my mailing address is!

It’s sad that things change, especially w Tony, but my new life will be great.

I reconnected with a couple old college friends in the district and have been spending a lot of time with them. I’m actually developing a new circle of friends that is not only close, but is also convenient to see. I just don’t want to be directing my energy to faraway people that aren’t meeting me halfway. I have options now, and I’m choosing the better ones!

Long distance friendships take a lot of intention and energy that I can’t do alone anymore, you know?

I won’t spend too much time on it — but one person I’ve been hanging with is my ex-bf. When I told him about my story of the people with the baseball bat in Frederick, his response was to tell me his own story about people w baseball bats in Frederick.

It really helps having someone who truly understands what it was like. It’s less isolating now.

You and I had a whole lot of fun together at the same time you would listen to me go on and on about some heavy-duty heartache. You’re working now and have a new boyfriend, and I’m about to move, start a job and do grad school.

You did a lot for me last year, and I’ll always be grateful for that. Now that I’m growing my community here, I want to have focus the burden of my hard stuff on my newer friendships. I want to keep yours and my friendship lighter and full of adventures. Right now, Kevin and I just need dinner party guests and someone who will go with us to gay bars and strip clubs.

You were my first better option, Cam, and it changed everything.

❤️