Amy,

What I should have said was that I’m a neurotic child who lashes out at others to compensate for the faults I find in myself. If I had told you this up front, then maybe things would have been different. What I should have said was that I’m quicker to point out flaws than bestow praise. Maybe you wouldn’t have had to guard your words for fear of engaging a grammar nazi. What I should have said is that meeting new people sometimes terrifies me. Maybe you wouldn’t have had to spend so much time defending my anti-social behavior to your parents.

What I should have said was nothing. Maybe you wouldn’t have felt guilty just for trying to help. What I should have said was “I’m sorry.” Maybe you would have stressed less. What I should have been was sorry. Maybe I wouldn’t be so now.

Respectfully,
MD, age 27