I can sense that he is uncomfortable, even embarrassed about responding and this fact gives me a little hope. However, I do not know exactly what to hope for.
— I know this sounds cold, but I've found that putting everything on the table up front minimizes complications and lowers expectations later on. This way, they enter into it voluntarily after knowing the rules.
- Not with me! — I shout at him. — You did not have the courtesy to tell me! — he starts talking, and I raise my hand to shut him up. I need time to think. I need a minute to understand your crazy ideas. I lower my head, swallowing loudly. Is that what I am to him? A complication to be avoided? God, too much information is sometimes a bad thing . I chew the inside of my lip at the thought. — Why not say friends with benefit
