A Sliding Doors Moment

That hasn't let go for 30 years

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Detail of the the poster for the film Bright Young Things, based on a book by Evelyn Waugh (I think!)

Hi Philippa

I’ve been in a relationship with my wife since we met in early 1993. However at the time I was infatuated by another girl I’d only had a couple of brief encounters with but due to my own timidness and not being able to remember her name hadn’t pursued. I fell into the relationship with my wife partly as a result of not wanting to be rude and hurt her feelings as she struck me as the kindest, most gentle person I’d ever met, and over time grew to love her.

I’ve spent most of my adult life trying to be what my own father was not, being faithful and trying to be a good father.

I’ve thought often of the other girl and the missed opportunity to get to know her and still harbour a sense of guilt that I didn’t explain to her why I never got in touch.

For some time I’ve been harbouring the notion of hiring a private detective to try to find her to give me an opportunity to explain. I don’t expect they’d be able to find her given the scant amount of detail I can remember. But either case might help me to move on.

I still love my wife. I did mention some of this to her some time ago but she was dismissive of the significance this has for me. Can you please advise, am I being ridiculous?

Thanks

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