Dear Friend,

This is all still so very new and different for me. I feel awkward, nervous about doing or saying something wrong. Consequently, when I get a "no", I feel like I've stepped beyond the bounds, like I've asked something I shouldn't have. It's a stupid reaction but it happens. I guess not ever having been in a position were I was allowed to ask, I have no experience with coping with an honest answer to the question.

How can we get beyond this? We just have to keep practicing. I will eventually get the hang of it. I also want very much to keep communicating with you. Although communication is not natural to me, is in fact very difficult for me (though I do seem to have miscommunication down pat!), I am trying. The promise of an even deeper friendship with you is a very compelling reason for me to perfect my technique in the fine art of communication.

Bn.