Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Turn Platonic Love Into Romantic Love?

Dear Baba Yaga,

I’ve always been able to make friends and have people love me platonically, but I’ve never had anyone really fall in love with me romantically. I’m easily thought of as cool and a great and supportive friend, but this doesn’t translate into the dating world. Can I remedy this?

BABA YAGA:

There is , in some forgotten creek in yr woods a small tortoise shell loaded with jewels — covering the wellspring of that dried aquifer. In this shell you ; have hoarded all yr pretty qualities, you have carefully placed the shiny heavy stones you think will make others ) love you. But in gathering them so you have hidden them; lift the shell — let the waters rise back up & flood the stream; let the water blast the shell open & carry yr precious gems far & wide. It is in this wild rushing & abandon of what you believe makes you lovable that others will see you as a raw creature to be chased & peered at.

Previously: How Can I Forgive My Narcissistic Mother?

Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet and writer living in Austin. She’s taking questions on behalf of Baba Yaga at askbabayaga [at] gmail.com.

Illustration of Baba Yaga’s hut by Katy Horan.