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In reference to your recent communications.

Article Excerpt
Dearest Randolph,

I am writing in reference to the string of voice mails you recently left me. Although I understand that there were outside forces acting upon you, your messages nonetheless sounded rash and not fully thought out. I want to take this opportunity to go over some of your main points and offer a response, since your means of communication left me no obvious path by which to do so. I assume, of course, that you have all of our previous communications for reference, including, but not limited to, letters, electronic mail, phone messages, and transcripts of conversations crucial to the progress of our relationship. (1)

Message 1: Confusion

(a) [Exhalation] Jess [sic], it's Randy [sic]. (b) I've been thinking a lot about us and, well, I just don't know if it's the best thing for me, well, for both of us right now. (c) I know we've talked about it--well, kind of--but I really think I need to take a break. Call me back. Bye. 1 (a). [Exhalation] Jess [sic], it's Randy [sic].

Your introduction ("Jess, it's Randy"), preceded as it is by a pronounced exhale, suggests that you are unsure about how to proceed; perhaps you feel socially or otherwise obligated to distance yourself from me. Consider your motives in calling: If you are responding to pressure from friends and/or family, please remember that the only feelings on which this relationship is contingent are yours and, of course, mine. I here refer to a comment from your mother that states, "Randy, are you sure about this one? She seems, oh, I don't know, eccentric." (2) This comment and others lead me to believe that you are acting on the advice of your peers and relatives, who have led you to believe that they have your best interests at heart. (3)

1 (b). I've been thinking a lot about us and, well, I just don't know if it's the best...