Dear Friend,

Your letter was very eloquent, your timing perfect. For a number of reasons, this is a very difficult week for me and it is good to know that I have a friend. Not that I would bend your ear with my troubles, not that I would cry on your shoulder. It's just nice to know.

There is, however, one thing that you do not seem to realize about me, to understand about my nature. I am VERY different from most women. You can not lead me on, take advantage of me. I am the quintessential mistress because I have no dreams of the future, no expectation of others.

The are only a few absolute certainties in my life, deeply rooted truths that I accept without question. One of which is the knowledge that I will never be a priority in a man's life, never be a wife. Consequently, my relationship with men is entrenched with the understanding that it is always only a temporary thing. To be lived in the present, to be enjoyed for the moment. Don't misunderstand - this is not a bad thing. It is simply a fact of my life and I tell you only to allay the fears you seem to have. I may be confused about the nature of our friendship, may be at a loss to explain it but I am very clear in that, as wonderful a gift as it is, it is not mine to keep.

This also accounts for my enjoyment of life, my sense of adventure, my willingness to try new things. Because I have no sense of the future with another person, I truly see the wonder in and actually treasure each moment as the special time that it is.

I love our relationship for the simple fact that it is. You are free to guide it in any direction you wish. You will not take advantage of it or me. Thank you also for all the love, the imtimacy and the fun we've had together.

Bn.