There’s something I’ve only recently started to notice about myself.
I connect with people easily.
I’m naturally curious.
I give out warmth like it costs nothing.
And I mean it, too. I’m not being fake. I’m not manipulating anyone. I’m just here. Present. Curious. Loving.
But that kind of presence gets misread.
What I offer as openness, others sometimes receive as intimacy.
What I see as curiosity, they may experience as closeness.
And before I know it, someone feels like we’ve bonded deeply, while I’m still trying to remember their last name.
That’s the flaw of the mutt ♡
Loyal eyes. Big heart. Always wagging, always listening.
Never meaning to lead anyone anywhere, but still ending up in places I didn’t mean to go.
Last week I came across a story post that my friend Delarose shared by Sam Simon, and it captured so much of what I’ve been feeling.
It gave language to that blurry space between connection and confusion.
Between presence and perceived promise.
It made me pause. And start writing this.
The truth is, I usually only notice the mix-up after it’s already happened.
After they’ve grown attached.
After they’ve built a story in their head where I was something more than just kind.
I never said “we’re close.”
But maybe my presence felt like a promise.
I’m learning that love and curiosity need boundaries.
That not everyone sees warmth as warmth.
Some see it as a signal. A door opening. A thread pulling tight.
And maybe it’s not about shutting down.
Maybe it’s about being honest in how we show up.
About learning how to exchange care without confusion.
About honoring closeness without forcing a bond.
I still want to love freely.
But I also want to love responsibly.
With love,
Pete Rango
P.S. If you know someone who might enjoy these explorations, feel free to share this newsletter with them.