Hey Pen and Martha - OK I must confess, I've had to think a little about your excellent questions

For me, when I feel connected with someone, it is like there are no barriers to communications, no inhibitions, no fear of saying the wrong thing. Right now, NG and I are being very polite with each other, and we are processing much of what we feel privately, or in my case, sometimes here on the boards. I regret the gap in our connection. In many ways we share more, about our work, our friends and our families. Yet, in other ways, our frustrations with each other, our fears, hopes and dreams - it all feels awkward. I like to think it is a matter of time, but who knows, ya?

I have a couple of very good friends, both have been with me since we were all 8 years old I feel very connected with these friends in that in the context of our friendship, we are open and entirely comfortable with each other. Sure, sometimes we are perhaps too honest with each other, and we retreat into cave time, lick our wounds, and embrace each other again. I feel at home with these two wonderful ladies.

With NG, I want to feel at home, but right now, I'm feeling more comfortable leaving the front door slightly open in case I need to run out. Does this make sense?

Slowly

A Liberal Allowance of Time