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[neveraskedforthis]

Hello. A couple things:

1 -- Are there any licensed therapists around here? Before you ask: yes, it's exactly what it sounds like, and before you volunteer like the good samaritan you are, I should probably inform you that I gave my last counselor a nervous breakdown.

So. Just figured I'd point that out. But hey, why not give it another shot, right? Even better if you know a thing or two about neurocybernetics, but that's not a must. We can work out some form of payment.

2 –- Another vending machine at the station went missing. What the hell is up with that? Whoever's doing this, are you deliberately trying to annoy me and keep me from doing more important work or what, while I'm chasing a vending machine thief. That said, we're low on staff. Go sign up if you have nothing better to do with your time, but don't touch any fucking vending machines. Unless you just want to get a drink, I guess that's okay.

3 -- Your thoughts on pursuing a serious relationship while trapped in this place. Go.

Comments

[neveraskedforthis]

What if I don't get much enjoyment out of it before then, and right now I'm just pursuing it because I hope for a potential future together, against all odds.

[salvagedsoul]

Is it that easy, to try to restrain your affections in such a way? You can say that's your aim, but I'd wager it would have no effect either way on the sadness you'll feel if the person leaves.

[neveraskedforthis]

Yeah, probably. But maybe it won't be as worse if I don't get my hopes up from the start.

[salvagedsoul]

Well, either way - if the risk of disappointment doesn't worry you, I'd say go for it. Life is short and it shouldn't be spent alone. No, it can't be.

[neveraskedforthis]

That's the question I'm trying to find an answer for. Some people actually prefer to spend life alone for one reason or another, and I'm not sure if I'm one of them.

[salvagedsoul]

It's not illogical. If you don't get close to others, you can't be hurt. But if that sounds like too much of a sacrifice for you, then it probably is. What's keeping you from saying that definitively?

[neveraskedforthis]

Because suppressing feelings is very difficult.

[salvagedsoul]

Hm. You don't often meet people with such a healthy self-awareness.

[neveraskedforthis]

Really? I thought this much, at least, was obvious and applied to everyone.

[salvagedsoul]

Obvious as it may be to you, people are imperfect and have varying degrees of maturity and experience.

[neveraskedforthis]

Well, yes. I'm not a teenager anymore, so I like to believe I have my hormones somewhat under control.

[salvagedsoul]

You have a good sense of humor about this.

I hope you find someone that you can share some happiness with, even if it's short-lived. I can relate.

[neveraskedforthis]

Can you?

[salvagedsoul]

To the desire, yes.

[neveraskedforthis]

And why don't you act on it?

[salvagedsoul]

I did.

More specifically, it was something I'd felt in the past, not right now. But I remember the feeling well.

[neveraskedforthis]

So you got over it. How?

[salvagedsoul]

I guess you could say I'm not so desperate as I was then.

[neveraskedforthis]

Lucky you.

[salvagedsoul]

I'm very lucky, all things considered.

Just be careful. You may want to make sure the other person is okay with the risks, too.

[neveraskedforthis]

Yeah, I was thinking about that... I wouldn't be the only one in a bad situation.