Hi Abby,

I think you already know what is going on here.  You have had a two year friendship and now it is over.  It doesn’t really matter what the parents have said and whether or not he was talking about you to his family.  It’s pretty normal for people to discuss college life at home.  I think you have been reading too much into this.  He was pleased to receive a gift (presume leaving gift) from the saxophone section which you gave to him so why wouldn’t he be genuinely pleased.

How would you have wanted him to word his reply to your letter?  He doesn’t want to become involved with you, he’s left to take up his college place and he doesn’t have the same feelings for you as you have for him.  I think you should take his words exactly as he’s written them, he’s let you down as gently as he could, and you shouldn’t dwell on this any more.  Life’s too short to worry about things that you can’t change.

As for moving on, the best place to be is in the present.  Look around you and see what you have in your life right now.  Concentrate on your own education, your own hobbies, family and friendships.  I’m willing to bet that a new relationship will come along when you least expect it sooner than you might imagine.

Take care.

Peggy