what if we come over and stay in the garage and you can stay in your room and come out if you want?
i do want to hang out with him, but i really don't want to go out in public
or be at my house
or his house

I don't think that would send the right message
I'm not being reclusive
I just don't really want to hang out with Harry right now.

i'm saying you don't have to
we will keep to ourselves

but then I appear to be reclusive

nope
you appear to want to be alone
which is perfectly fine
harry understands

but I don't want to be alone
I just don't want to hang out with Harry.
and so

ugh

it's lying.
and I don't like doing that if I don't get any benefit
you understand.

i don't think he would be upset
to know you just don't want to hang out with him

...he would be if he knew I was in my room ten feet away hiding from him

nope
i'll talk to him

no

yes
it's happening

I do not want that to happen
no

i promise he won't be upset

no.
Sally, I've never made you do something you don't want to do
I've smothered you with opinions, yes
but
don't make decisions for me.

wait
what if i talk to him and he says he's okay with you not wanting to hang out with him

I don't want unnecessary conflict
there are a lot of parks
you could hang out in a park
it's hardly public at night
I don't know if you're mad at me, but if you are, I don't understand it.
I'm not being unreasonable.

yes you are
there won't be any conflict is the thing

it's what's implied

what no

Sally, I don't like to pull this card, but I've known Harry for three years. I know that he will take offense at this.
And he doesn't need to take offense, because I don't mean offense
but he will take offense.
you've turned this around and made it my problem

nope
it's nobody's problem

...then let me not be a part of it.

well nick
"It doesn't upset me in the least. I'm vaguely annoyed at him for thinking I'm so emotionally fragile"
I WIN.

well now I'm upset at you

well okay