Instant Message Me Some Cutlery

If we had been talking in person, I don't think you would have said what you said. But you were in front of your computer and I was in front of mine, so you were more courageous. You knew, or perhaps didn't even think about it, but you would not be able to see my eyes or my face when those words flew. "The way you act kills all chance of affection," is what you said. You said I was too caring, too close. I thought to myself, but did not type, that I only respond to those around me. Is it being motherly to let you eat my cheese when you come in and go straight to my refrigerator?

I let the cursor on my screen blink for awhile. I see no indication that you are typing. There is no immediate, "I didn't mean to say it that way." If we had been talking face to face, I don't think you would have said it at all. You would have just gone to my refrigerator and gotten some cheese and crackers, sat down at my computer, and started playing my computer games like you always do. And I would have been content, thinking that this must be what it is like to be a couple.