Mystery missive stirs up curiosity and emotion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/02/2024 (956 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I got a beautiful Valentine’s Day card and letter pushed under my apartment door a week ago — which is strange — and I can’t find the proper recipient. Nobody has the key to get in our block unless they live here.

The red envelope said, “To My Forever Love.” I looked at it for hours, and then couldn’t help myself — and steamed it open. It was a beautiful letter with intimate compliments, memories and a romantic poem. I must confess I wished all this had been for me, but I haven’t had a special love for years.

I asked the people who live right around me and below me if it might be for them. They all said no. But one woman today mentioned there was a single woman living in my suite before me who had a “parade of boyfriends.” Now I want to find her!

I feel guilty keeping this letter, but don’t have a clue how to track her down and give it to her. To be completely honest, I want to find out who would inspire such a passionate letter!

— Looking for ’Forever Love,’ South Winnipeg

Dear Looking: Put a note up near the mailboxes saying you accidentally received Valentine’s Day mail under your door for somebody who may have resided in your apartment, previously. Ask for help to get it to the right person. If that doesn’t work, the rental agency might have a way to get it delivered.

On the other hand, the lady fair who inspired that passionate missive might not want anything to do with the letter writer anymore — so don’t stress yourself unduly if you can’t get it delivered.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: My boyfriend’s younger brother finally came back from two years of work and travel.

He dropped in unexpectedly one afternoon “to surprise his big brother,” and I was the only one at home. I opened the door to a much taller version of the guy who lives with me. He quickly invited himself in, and asked for “one beer.”

I was a bit surprised, but I gave him a beer. Thus began the most entertaining afternoon of my life. What a storyteller he is, and what a charmer!

My boyfriend came home at 5 p.m. and joined us. We three started having a pleasant time, or so I thought. But I was surprised my guy didn’t invite his brother to have dinner or stay overnight with us. He just offered to drive him home to their folks’ place.

I was sorry when our world traveller left so abruptly. He kissed me sweetly on the cheek in front of his brother. When my boyfriend returned home from dropping him off, he demanded to know if his brother had “managed to wrap me around his little finger.”

I dodged the question by asking “Why do you ask?” He said, “Because the guy goes after every girl I care about.” I blushed to my roots!

Younger brother hasn’t resurfaced — not even a phone call. Do you think my man warned him to stay away from me?

— Caught in Family Feud, St. James

Dear Caught: You can bet your man warned him off on the drive back to their folks’ place. He won’t be doing any more visiting at your house.

There’s something particularly nasty about a brother who sneaks in and tries to charm away his brother’s mate — and this wasn’t the first time. This guy can sniff out an opportunity very quickly.

He would have noted you responded well to his charm on the doorstep, so he quickly asked for a beer — as he hoped to party with you alone.

Good on you for not joining him in the drinking, but you let him stay far too long. He may be gone for now, but don’t think for one minute this guy wouldn’t go after you again, given another chance — especially since he’s on the outs with his older brother again.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Maureen Scurfield
Advice columnist

Maureen Scurfield writes the Miss Lonelyhearts advice column.

   Read full biography