26: Friendly Flirting

person conversation text
me I don’t think I should do this “friendly flirting” thing any more.
friend Why not? You just did it and things seem to have worked out alright.
me But you see, the whole premise is that it is “just for fun” and I feel like now I’ve developed a bond and I can’t just disappear and pretend like what is happening to her isn’t something I care about actively following.
friend So you’re saying you’re starting to develop feelings for her?
me No. My life is in a state of flux, and I need it to settle down. What I’m saying is that I “used” her to deal with my loneliness, and now I don’t want to feel like I “used” her – I want to respect her and I don’t want her to feel “used”, emotionally or otherwise.
friend Dude, you’re stressing out about this way too much – females are there to be used, right?
me How can you possibly say something like that? They’re people as well and should be respected!
friend Nah. They’re just baby-making machines that are great to have some fun with, that’s all.
me I remain appalled at your attitude!
friend Dude, it isn’t like you don’t know how to play a woman up and it isn’t like you haven’t been developing those skills either!
me I am ashamed of myself.
friend Why should you be? They all like it.
me If they all knew, would they still?
friend I can’t think of which one wouldn’t.
me The sad thing is, I think you’re right. And that disturbs me even more.
friend Dude, don’t sweat it. You’ve got other stuff to worry about right now.
me You’re right. I just want them all to know that I do care about them all, each in their own specific unique way.
friend Aw. How touching. It almost makes me barf.
me You are so insensitive.
friend If you care about them so much, your caring will bog you down. No wonder you are stressed out – you care about too much.
me I think I’d rather care than be stress-free.