Dear Joe,

I have been a fan of Love Notes for quite some time. I thought that I can deal with my own problems but here I am now seeking your help.

I'm not a very lucky person when it comes to love. "Mabait ka naman at maganda," is what my friends always tell me. But I just always end up hurt and broken. There’s this guy Mark. He was a college senior when I met him during my college freshman year. There was instant chemistry between us, Joe. Because of his admirable qualities, it wasn't long until I realized that he already had my heart. Everybody thought that he was my boyfriend but the truth is that he can't love me because he still loves his ex-girlfriend, Jen. They had been together for six long years and I can't compete with that.

My love for Mark grew with every passing day, and so did the pain from the thought that we could never be together. I hoped that he would eventually forget Jen and love me instead. It was all wishful thinking. I knew that I can't control him or force him to go my way. All I can do is love him without expecting anything in return.

I eventually decided to get myself out of this heart-breaking situation. I wrote him a letter saying everything that I felt for him. Things between us did not go back to normal until after two weeks. Those two weeks seemed like forever. We didn't discuss anything about us or the letter. It was just as if nothing happened. We both became busy with our own lives and somehow drifted apart. Believe it or not, I began to forget him. After some time, we realized how we both missed each other and became buddies again. But something changed and I'm sure it wasn't me. It was him. He started to be extra sweet which made me feel uncomfortable. I thought of asking a friend to pretend to be my boyfriend which hurt Mark. I really felt guilty.

After his graduation I finally gathered the guts to tell him how sorry I was for what I did and that I still loved him. He likewise told me that he loved me but had to stay away for a time because he didn’t want to be unfair to me and Jen. He thanked me for loving him and apologized for hurting me. He brought me home that night and I introduced him to my mom. From that time, we became even closer. He acts as if he's my boyfriend and we now do things that are past our limitations as friends. I know it's wrong. It also hurts because he has all the right to court & date others. I can too but I'm not so sure if I want to. Lately, Mark has his eyes set on this girl and I know that it's not impossible for them to fall in love with each other.

Joe, I love him but I'm not sure if he does. I want to ask him what place I have in his life. Am I just a friend? I know that I should do my best to keep him, but sometimes I feel that I should just let go. People tell me that I will soon be loosing Mark to another girl. I don't know if I make any sense, Joe. But please, tell me the best thing to do because I know of no other way. Thanks and more power to Love Notes.

All the best,
Marie