Marty

Reading this chapter actually leaves me feeling hopeful. I can understand Chris' need for companionship, for a "significant other" (and even his need just for sex on a somewhat regular basis). And I'm glad to see that he has joined a gay support group where, hopefully, he will meet a partner. I'm also glad to see that he is not that needy that he thinks he has to cling on to the first person from the group who had shown an interest in him; that he realises that Will is not what he is really looking for and dumps him. Okay it took him a few weeks to actually end the relationship, but he got there in the end. Hopefully he will continue looking, maybe continue attending the gay social group, and will eventually find the Mr Right. Will is probably a really nice guy, but it seems he just wasn't the one for Chris. I am a bit concerned about Chris' own self image problems ("I’m nothing appealing; there’s nothing special about me; I’m not handsome or clever or funny.") but I can understand how that may be related to his poor feelings of self worth that likely stem from his upbringing, and his experience with the Church, the ex-gay movement, and his failed suicide and subsequent rejection by his family. Hopefully, if nothing else, this experience with Will will help Chris realise that he is capable of entering a full time relationship sometime in the future. As Kay told him a few chapters ago: "It's about time you got yourself a proper boyfriend." I'm hoping that the short relationship with Will shows him that, even if Will was not the one for him, that it is possible, and that he doesn't give up completely.

I love it! I also like the repetition of the first two lines. I think it makes it all that more intense.

A somewhat belated hi back to you, Gary! Would love one! But he's got auburn hair (or chestnut?), definitely not a true redhead. But I'll take him off your hands if you don't want him. He'd do me just fine (after I've shaved his face, of course). I think it might have been more like a case of an unintended double entendre on Gary's part there, duggy Okay. I admit it. My attempts at jokes can get a bit feeble at times.

Hi, duggy! Have a good trip.

And a very good afternoon to everyone from me

I'm away to bed. Night, all.

I think clo has answered that question for us all.

Good night, Timothy. Sweet dreams

This conversation basically seemed to go very quickly from the sublime to the ridiculous...

And you both basically took the words right out of my mouth. (It must have been when you were kissing me... ) Well, it was a hot summer's night...

Page, my man! How ya doing, buddy?

Maybe you should just start wearing some clothes when you're driving....

And if it were to get much warmer than 25°C, I'd probably be complaining that it was just too damn hot!

Sounds perfect to me! Although I don't think you needed to say "and warm" at the end.... To my mind, 25°C is warm!

Hey duggie! Fairly sunny day here in the West of Ireland, although there were a few spots of rain around the middle of the day. Temperatures around 15°C, with little chance of them getting much higher over the next few days according to the weather forecast.

Seeing the way he is so obviously posing makes me think of these lines from one of the songs on the 2004 album A Grand Don't Come for Free by the British alternative hip hop band The Streets.... "Yeah, yeah, like I said, you are really fit But my gosh, don't you just know it?"

G'day, young Alberto! Careful to you (gentle, because of what you say below) You sure it's not one per sentence? How ya doing, Gary? Fingers crossed he gives you good news +++ Gonna have to pop out for a while. Have to cast my votes. We've two elections here in Ireland today (one for the European Parliament and one for Local [Council] elections) - plus a referendum to change the Irish Constitution to make the granting of divorce even easier. Catch yous all in a while.

Moning, Caz! (And everyone else)

Classic symptoms of self delusion?

lol! I so did NOT see that coming!

Captures the feeling of sadness very well. I can relate to the feelings you express.

Sure, what do you expect? He's had a really dirty day today.

Guten Tag, Gary Page!! <Desperately hoping Page doesn't spot that [deliberate?] error...>

How's your good self, young Droopy Drew?

Wowzer! Hey, look, young Albert! The Anthology submissions are appearing. <Does the happy dance>