To the love of my life,  You never smile at me anymore.  I hear you grunt and sigh when you pass me in the corner.  You even stabbed me in the back, telling all your friends how much you dislike me. You don’t think I can hear you bickering about how much space I take up, but I can, and it hurts.  You were on the phone last night, and I heard you say it.  “I know I need to spend time on the exercise bike, but I just hate that stupid thing.  I just can’t get moving to start.  I wished I never got it.”  Do you think you are giving out a bad message to your friends about exercising?

When did you start to hate me so much?  It wasn’t always like that, was it?  When I was a brand-new trend at the shop, I watched you walk by with your school friends and then return with a sparkle in your eye.  You told the owner that I was the one who was going to change your life.  You said it.  You even told your parents if you got great grades and worked hard on your college applications, the only reward you wanted – was me.  You said I was the perfect friend for you.  Boy did you have so many dreams, so many plans, and your new and improved health was going to start with me.  I was so proud to be part of your life.  You ran your fingers over my digital buttons and told the shop owner that I was gorgeous and so easy to use.  And then you told the owner you had the perfect place in your house for me.  Oh gosh, those were the days!  You and I were going to rule the world.  We were the unstoppable team.  You needed me as much as I needed you.  And now….

I get a disgusted stare when you are in the same room as me. You look at me as though I’m your nemesis. I’m not your enemy!  I haven’t changed.  You are the one who’s decided you don’t want me around or any part of your life.  Why?  What did I do? 

I am so sorry that I am complaining about our relationship with whining in public.  Maybe I am being too hard on you.  I guess you do use me occasionally for hanging your wet towels.  Didn’t the shop owner tell you the dryers were on special in the appliance department.  I’m an exercise bike and like all electronics I need to be used or spiders and ants will take up residency and make my life more miserable. 

I am not bitter, just sad.  Now that we got that out of the way, I just want you to know that I honestly miss you.  I miss the way you used to look at me.   I miss hearing you tell your friends in school that you were going to spend time with me everyday to help boost your grade up in online PE class and improve your health at the same time.   Instead, you spend your time with that refrigerator.   I’m trying hard not to be jealous over here, but I swear you have that door open at least two dozen times a day.  You’re always buying junk and filling that refrigerator up with sweets and treats.  Never seen anyone get so spoiled.  I’ve seen the way you smile when you reach for ice cream in the freezer.  It’s the only time I see you happy whenever you’re near it, but then I hear you sobbing after.  How many times has that refrigerator made you cry?  He treats you so badly after you give in.  And let’s not even get started with that arrogant Smart-TV.  That guy talks so much about himself, it’s a wonder why we can’t get anything done in the house. He takes up all your time.  Dude is soooo needy, it’s always about him and he’s so LOUD.

  Finally, I may have realized that you might have given up on me, but I want you to know that I am not going to give up on you, ever!  I am loyal, and I will be there for you whenever you’re ready to use me.  I believe in you.  I am just asking for two things.  One, please don’t talk behind my back anymore or give me the evil eye when you walk by.  I love you and I am here for you.  You’re just not ready to let me into your life right now.  I understand, but while you’re soul searching could you please stop by once in a while?  I don’t mind sharing my time with that blabbermouth, Smart-TV.  And please can you hang your laundry outside?  If the dryer isn’t doing his job, he definitely needs to be on the road (Jack). 

Just let me know that you still care about our relationship and most importantly about yourself.  I will always be here waiting for you. 

Love you always,

Your one and only
Exercise Bike.