Dear Tita Witty: Can’t tell her how I feel

We’ve been friends for several months now. And right then and there, when I first saw her, I knew she could be the one. I’ve made some moves to give her hints and make her feel that she’s special. The thing is, I’m scared to tell her directly because of some reasons. 1. She once told me a story about her friend who confessed to her about his feelings and then things became awkward between the two of them until they totally stopped talking to each other. 2. I’m 8 years older than her. I know that in love, age is just a number, but she mentioned in one of our conversations that she wants to be with someone her age. And 3. One of our friends noticed the way I treat her, and said friend asked her if there was a possibility between me and her, and her answer was negative.

Does this mean this is really a hopeless case for me? I’m not new to this kind of stuff since I came from a long-term relationship, but this is a totally different situation. She is totally different among others, and that’s what makes me feel this way about her. I don’t know if I should pursue her or just accept the fact that there are really things that we cannot have, no matter what.

Please help.

Best regards,

John

Dear John,

Here’s what you should do:

1. Go meet up with a friend.

2. Pakisabi, batukan ka.

3. Pakisabi, lakasan.

Don’t you realize how lucky you are that you’re the guy in this situation? Because there’s actually something you can do about it. Ang babae, pwedeng ma-develop at ma-in love sa mabait. Sa mabango. Sa nakakatawa. As long as you pursue her consistently, it’s possible. It doesn’t have to be love at first sight. It doesn’t have to feel like “When I first saw him, I knew he could be the one.” Wait, hindi ko sinasabing hindi ka kagwapuhan. What I mean is, if she’s not attracted to you now, there’s still a chance that she might. If you were the girl here, I’d suggest you move on. But you’re not, so have the guts and glory to pursue her. Make sure you’re always mabango at magbaon ng alms for the poor* and jokes for her. Huwag mo lang pagbabaliktarin, ha?

Maybe she was still young when she got into that awkward situation with another guy friend and didn’t know how to handle it. As for the age difference, sus, preferences change so don’t let that hold you back either. And, geez, you can’t expect her to say “Yes, pwedeng maging kami.” to your common friend dahil I’m sure hindi ka naman si Paulo Avelino. At dahil pag ganun, aba, sinuswerte ka naman masyado — eh di wala ka nang tatrabahuhin?

No, this is not a hopeless case. You can still find love in a hopeless place.

XOXO,

Tita Witty

*Just kidding. You do this because you’re a kind person and not for a girl.