Why Reading the Article Is About Honoring Our Relationship

Why Reading the Article Is About Honoring Our Relationship

Hey Bob,

I wanted to take a moment to address your decision not to read the article I sent you. I know that our differences, especially when it comes to the whole golf betting situation, have been a point of contention for us. I wrote that article because it's something that's been bothering me for a long time, and instead of hashing it out in the heat of the moment, I thought it would be more productive to put my thoughts down in writing.

Your response—saying that you’re not going to read it—caught me off guard. While I respect your decision to do what you want, I hope you’ll take a second to consider why reading it might be important, not just for me, but for our relationship. I’m not asking you to agree with everything I said, but I am asking you to give it a chance. Here's why.

First, reading the article is a way of honoring me and my feelings. I put a lot of thought and care into expressing how I’ve been feeling about our dynamic on the golf course and beyond. I’m not looking to hurt or attack you. I wrote it because I felt it was the best way to communicate something that’s been weighing heavily on me. When you choose not to read it, it feels like you’re dismissing my feelings without even knowing what they are. And that’s hurtful.

It’s not just about the article itself; it’s about the message behind it. By taking the time to read what I wrote, you’re showing me that my perspective matters to you, even if you don’t agree with it. I understand that what I’ve shared may not be comfortable to hear. Conversations around boundaries and respect can be tough. But avoiding them doesn’t make the issue go away—it just puts up a wall between us. And that’s the last thing I want. I want us to be able to talk openly, even if it’s about something that’s difficult for either of us.

Second, I believe that by not reading the article, you're avoiding a truth that’s been present in our relationship for a long time. This isn’t just about a golf bet or a candy bar—it’s about respect and boundaries. I’ve told you numerous times that I don’t want to bet when we play golf, and each time, you’ve dismissed that boundary. The article was my way of articulating why that behavior is damaging to me and, ultimately, to our relationship.

Refusing to engage with that truth doesn't make it any less real. I’m still going to feel the same way, and nothing will change unless we address it. Reading the article would be the first step toward understanding where I’m coming from. And I’m not asking you to agree with everything or even change who you are—I’m asking you to see things from my perspective and acknowledge that this is a legitimate issue for me.

Lastly, avoiding the article sends a message that my feelings and concerns aren’t worth your time. I know that’s not what you intend, but that’s how it comes across. This isn’t just about you or me as individuals—it’s about the relationship we have as brothers. If we can’t talk about things that are bothering us, even if they’re uncomfortable, then where does that leave us?

All I’m asking is for you to take a few minutes to read what I wrote. You don’t have to respond right away or even agree with it, but at least hear me out. That’s what respect looks like, and that’s what I’m hoping for here. At the end of the day, we’re brothers, and I care about you. This isn’t about winning an argument; it’s about preserving the respect and understanding we should have for each other.

I hope you’ll reconsider and take the time to read the article.

Best, Bill