Yep. that's why I was a bit concerned when he told me about his past. Still trying to figure out if he's done with his past or if he still gets all tangled up. My eyes are open for all cues. at this point. And I move forward carefully.

I know that my lil issues are in my head about fear of rejection...

But I also believe that you are absolutely right on the two counts: I won't play games. I hate it. I may think of it but I wont. My dad used to be mister manipulator [amongst other wonderful characteristics]. And it was so painful and just made me want to get away... I also had tried to manipulate my dad a couple of times, with the same head games and found out very quickly that it led only to more games. And I didn't do it again. My goal number one is to untangle. Not the contrary. I guess I was just being a cynic.

And I do now realize to my core as oppose to just in my head, that I should be liked for who I am and if not, like you said, not worth the trouble.

As for the violence, I was kidding. :-)

It's conceivable that he's unusually irritating, but that shouldn't make him eligible for lumber baseball.

I didn't think you'd really try to manipulate him. I was agreeing with you on that. I was trying to reinforce the "why not", which is because it devalues you if you do it. Sometimes you seem to need a boost in that area.

yep. Maybe he is! He does make stupid jokes sometimes after all!

And yeah, I do the best friend thing and all, but sometimes I does help to have a boost! Thank you.

and to hear the why not from a guy is always good.