An open letter to my wife on her friend Andy's birthday, which is also Valentine's Day.

Hey B,

I wanted you to know that what you said earlier about me being one of your Top Four crushes of all time actually meant quite a bit. I was hoping to crack the Top Five. It’s kinda of like aiming to be second-to-last and then suddenly accidentally finding yourself getting a bronze medal. Words can’t describe what it means. Thank you, and I will continue being yours forever, or for a while. Let’s see where things go.

Also, I did (for the thirteenth consecutive year) forget to book us Italy tickets, BUT I did remember to pick up ingredients at Trader Joe’s for authentic homemade Italian-style pizza. The dough just has to sit out for twenty minutes first, then you can get started on it. Olympics tonight?

Ciao.

J.

An open letter to my friend on his birthday.

And,

I think we talked in 2008 about meeting up this Valentines Day at Stanislowski’s in London, and I cannot believe I forgot. Is that this year? I’m not there, sorry if you’re waiting. I had to make supper in the States and totally spaced it. How does Feb. 14, 2026 work? That’s the next one I’m free. Again, sorry if you’re out a plane ticket. My bad. Anyway, hope you did some cool optometry stuff today, or whatever your hobby is this week. Lemme know about ‘26.

Joseph Long