In general, the human populace is great at self delusion and better at avoiding rejection. Why have a discussion when your rich imagination about your fantasy life fills in all the gaps?

I think we place too great an emphasis on avoiding ‘hurt’ and ‘pain’ in society. It’s one thing to avoid the pain of abuse (and should be avoided) but the hurt from over-inflating someone else’s behaviors? That should be a lesson learned. A smile is just a smile until someone says, “You know, I like you a lot. Are you up for having coffee?” The pain of being told no is an opportunity to a: still make a friend and b: find someone actually compatible to be around.

Oh well.