The Imperfect Rose

This rose symbolizes how I feel about you, how I feel about us.
The long stem represents the friendship we have. We've been friends for a pretty long time. We know each other well. That's one of the best things I like about you. At the same time, apparently, this is one of the things that prevents us from going anywhere. I know you don't feel anything for me, possibly because we already know each other so well. At the same time, I feel that the best relationships start from friendship.
The thorns represent my imperfection. I'm far from perfect. I have my flaws. At the same time, it's these very flaws that make me the person I am. Cut away the thorns, and while you may have a perfect rose, it is not a complete rose. Because there are thorns, you'll have to handle this rose with care if you choose to do anything with it. And admittedly, sometimes the thorns will prick you.
The rose bud represents the two choices that lie before you. You can choose to let the rose bloom, and explore the possibilities. Or you can hang the rose out to dry.
If you hang it out to dry, the rose will always be with you. But it will be brittle shadow of it's true self. You'll look at the rose and maybe you will wonder what it would have looked like if it had fully bloomed. And yet, maybe this is the safer choice. You'll always have the rose that could have been.
If you let the rose bloom, you won't be able to dry it out nicely. It will bloom in all its beauty, and eventually the petals will turn dark and fall. I don't promise it will last forever. I can't. The most I can promise is that if you choose to let it bloom, I will be with you helping the rose bloom.
I tell you this as a matter of fact. I do not seek sympathy, nor do I ask you for more than you're willing to give. I like you very much, both as a friend and a potential lover, and that means I want what's best for you. I think we can be happy together, but if you decide that you will be happiest with someone else, I will fully support that decision as your friend.
I give you the rose, but what you do with the rose is up to you.