I’ve often wondered how far someone would go to gain forgiveness after cheating. Well, a man in Virginia tested the scope of my thinking on the subject by standing on the corner during morning rush hour with a sign that said “I cheated. This is my punishment.” His wife agreed to take him back if he wore the sign all week.

Things haven’t been the same between us for quite some time. And while I managed to find fault in everything that you did, the true source of our problems derived from a singular source. Me.

I believe I owe you an apology. When we first met, there seemed to be an undeniable attraction between us. I think we can both agree on that point. But you told me that you weren’t interested in getting to know me unless I was willing to be your friend first. “Friendship is the key to all relationships,” is how I replied. “And if we never end up hooking up, then I’m ok with that since I would have gained a lasting friend.”