Dear Alcohol,

Dear Alcohol,
I'd like you to know that unfortunately we have to break up for good. I know we had a trial separation period and that there was the possibility of a reconciliation, but after that week back together, I now know that we can never be together again.

I am sad to have to say goodbye to you. We had fifteen wonderful years together. I thought you'd be in my life forever. But clearly, the good thing we had together has come to an end.

I remember when we first met, my freshman year in college. You had been trying to get my attention the entire first semester, but I kept ignoring you. It wasn't until we returned from Winter Break that I finally caved to your advances.

We started off so casual for the first couple of years. But after a while I found myself wanting you around more and more. Pretty soon, I couldn't imagine what life would be like without you.

But soon our relationship just became too volatile. After spending evenings together I would wake up and my heart would literally ache. I would be sick from spending time with you. It's not how a relationship should be. I knew we needed some time apart. It ended up being a longer time than I expected.

After sixteen long months away from you I thought I'd take a chance on us again. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and I was looking to rekindle what we once had. You and me were so good together, how could we not make it work?

But now, as I sit here reflecting on the last couple of days, I realize it has to end. We are not a good fit. Everyone kept telling me that I'd be fine. They said I was being crazy by keeping you out of my life. Nobody understood why I wouldn't want you back.

This may sound like a cliche, but it's true: it's not you, it's me. You're beautiful and wonderful and lots of fun to be around and clearly you make all of my friends really happy. But I've changed. I'm different now. The last sixteen months apart showed me a side of myself that I had thought I lost. A side of me that can't exist with you in my life. I have made my decision and it means I have to say goodbye.

I'm sure I'll see you around town. It's a small city and we're bound to run into each from time to time. Though I'm sure we won't speak to each other, just know I'll be thinking only good thoughts.

And thanks for all the fun times. I'd like to say I'll remember them fondly, but you always have that way of making me forget.

I'm sure you'll make someone else very happy and I wish you all the best.

cordially,
Stefan