I don't think of it as discouraging. We're both dealing with a lot of baggage, and things happen that make the grounds between us unsteady. It's normal that we'd be nervous in this kind of situation.

[It's one of Dirk's thoughtful, reasoned explorations. Quiet as he talks leaning against Dave.]

Honestly, I consider this relatively encouraging. You might not have noticed, but I'm something of a human wrecking ball when it comes to people and relationships. I'm conscious of my flaws as destructive in nature, and particularly prone to hurting others or my relationships with them. It's reasonable for us to be concerned about the possibility of something happening that'll lose us what we want here, especially because we're both sure we don't deserve it and are afraid the other will figure it out.

What's reassuring to me is that we've reached a point where we can act anyway and communicate our fears. As backwards as it is, it's comforting to me to know that we're both willing to take that risk on each other. I think that is a kind of progress in terms of our growing understanding of each other and the value we put on our relationship.