First thing they teach you is those little games. Play hard to
get, they tell you, because we only want what we can’t have.
True enough. But the things you get and decide to keep are not always the most expensive ones. Ignore their foolish advice, I’d suggest. Pretension never adds value, it barely disguises inadequacy till the end of the chase.

Once, at a party, I met this guy. We exchanged a few words, then I was leaving. Such a shame, he said, so I replied, why don’t you come with me? Could have been a disaster. We stayed together
for five years. Simple as that. (My shyness, it seems, is surprisingly selective. Other people leave me lost for words. They’re not better, just harder to reach. And, naturally, I want them more. But winning is rarely the triumph I imagine.)

All I’m saying is, chill out everybody. Shed your masks, put your feathers aside. Break these empty rituals. Or just keep me out
of them. Might as well stay at home and read a book, like I’m
inclined to do anyway.