To the girl who should really give me some credit for him,

I know you don't want to, but you should. I'm sure I am the last person you would like to even be thinking about right now, and I know that because I am labeled as the "ex," the chances of you listening to me seem pretty slim. But please hear me out. You should really thank me for a lot. You see, I created him. I know that sounds conceited, but it's actually a fact. I made him into the awesome guy he is today. I taught him how to treat a lady, and by "lady" I mean you. You may not want to admit it, but you wouldn't have even fallen for him if he hadn't won you over with the charm that I so willingly taught him how to use. I created this amazing lover with the intentions of it benefiting only me. Never in a million years had I thought that he would use his newly-learned skills on someone else. I never thought that something I had planned to benefit myself would someday hurt me so badly.

When he and I first started out, our dates were pretty small. We didn't actually go out much, and when we did it was nothing major. He knew the basics, like opening my door or pulling out my chair, but he didn't know that it was important to a girl when her boyfriend remembers her favorite meal at the restaurant. He didn't know that holding hands in public was a major sign of affection in our minds, or that public displays of affection in general were acceptable (within reason) and actually made the entire date better. He hadn't realized that getting to know the girl on a deep level meant so much to us, and that noticing the small details about us is huge in our minds. He learned that these things were important from me. So now when he takes you out for a romantic evening, it is natural for him to do these things. He asks questions to learn more about you. He looks into your eyes and holds your hands across the table without even being asked. He gives you a kiss at the door after he drops you off at home, and you can't get enough of it.

I don't say any of this out of spite or because of jealousy or even because I consider you an enemy. I really don't think (or feel) any of that, actually. I am simply telling you this because I deserve the credit. You would want the same if it were you, I'm sure. I helped shape an immature boy into a sweet, caring gentleman. So the next time he puts together some thoughtful, romantic gesture, you can mentally thank me. I will gladly accept your thanks and say, "Well, you're welcome."

Sincerely,

The Girl Who Built Him