“I Shall Not Assume That You Love Me Anew”
This next letter is from Simone de Beauvoir to her former lover, Nelson Algren. During their relationship, it’s clear that she loved him with a fiery passion. But after their breakup, she wanted to let him know that she still loved him without being too smothering or clingy. She even mentions that if they ever sleep together again, she won’t assume that it means he loves her. This was her response to their breakup.
“I am not sad. Rather stunned, very far away from myself, not really believing you are now so far. And I want to tell you only two things before leaving, and then I’ll not speak about it any more, I promise. First, I want and need so much to see you again, some day. But, remember, please, I shall never ask to see you—not from any pride. Since I have none with you, as you know. But our meeting will mean something only when you wish it. So, I’ll wait. I shall not assume that you love me anew, not even that you have to sleep with me, and we have not to stay together such a long time. Just as you feel, and when you feel. But know that I’ll always long for your asking me.”