Butter Me Up for 2012

I've reconnected with an old friend in Turkey. We were always in contact but have recently spent a lot more time together. In fact, you might know him by his first name, Butter? If you've forgotten his face you would certainly recognize him once you saw him.

Anyways, we've gotten really close....

It started a few weeks after I arrived in Adana. I ran into Butter at the grocery store and, being that we were both free, we made a spontaneous date for later that same evening. It was wonderful - lots of laughs, good conversation - we had a lot of catching up to do! After that initial outing, we made it a point to meet on a weekly basis. Despite how busy we both were, we felt it was important to maintain the friendship we had rekindled.

So, for a few weeks, Butter and I had lunch or dinner together. It was lovely and just what I needed to escape the stress at work.

But then something changed. Suddenly, Butter became very, how should I put this... clingy? He wanted to do more than just one dinner or lunch a week. He even started "showing up" at breakfast uninvited. I didn't mind at first although it was obvious that he needed to be told it was not acceptable. I decided to be as patient as possible with him. After all, isn't that what good friends do?

Still, after 2 weeks went by in which Butter was like a lost puppy following my every move, I decided I'd had it. No more Mrs. Nice-Girl. I told Butter firmly that I "needed some space." Reading his initial reaction, I thought he took it well; but, by breakfast the next morning I realized he hadn't "taken it" at all....

It seems I must find a way to be more direct with my approach. The honeymoon phase of our friendship has ended and I must explain to my overly-attention-seeking companion that his side-kick days have ended and I must regain my kitchen, my thighs and my typically clear complexion.

I know he will not receive this news well nor am I excited to deliver it. But enough is enough! Now, I must choose an appropriate time and setting... maybe after the New Years? Yes, that seems best. I will wait until then. Only because I don't want to spoil the holiday for him...