I Don’t Want To Replace Your Ex, I Want To Love You Far Better
I could be patient, and you could be honest; together we could help you heal and maybe even build something of our own. I hope you take that chance with me.
By 
Steven Nolan
He’s always there, lurking just behind your smile. Every time you look at me or laugh at me or even send me a text message, I can tell that you’re holding something back. Until now, I didn’t realize it was a broken heart.
To be completely honest, I don’t even know what he did to you because you never told me. I was left me piecing together the details using Instagram and Facebook like a creepy 2016 Nancy Drew. I’m not going to pretend that doing this doesn’t make me feel a little crazy, but I like to think it’s something we’re all guilty of.
It’s sad because I’ve only known you for a couple weeks, and I could have sworn that “we” had the potential to turn into something amazing. I still hope this is only the beginning, but I’d be foolish to believe that I could fix you when you’re in pain, when you feel incomplete and I’m not the missing piece.
We both need recognize that I’m not him. I didn’t spend the last two years with you. I didn’t dress up with you for Halloween (for the record, your couple costume was subpar). I didn’t wear flannel with you on Christmas or get close to your mother. I didn’t tell you that I loved you more than I could explain. I didn’t destroy you either. That was all him.
Just to be clear, I see the similarities and don’t want to be his replacement. I really hope that’s not what you’re trying to do, even subconsciously. We might both be goofy, shorter than you, and cute in the way that complements your model-good looks, but that’s where the comparisons should end. If you get to know me, really know me, you’ll see that I’m unlike anyone you’ve ever met.
I could be patient, and you could be honest; together we could help you heal and maybe even build something of our own. I hope you take that chance with me.
If my hand is in your hand, I want you to know it’s mine and not wish it were someone else’s. I don’t expect you to forget what his touch felt like, but I hope you trust that even if I squeeze you tight, I’ll be gentle with your heart. 
