>>Could it be he has really low self esteem and that's why he thinks you don't want to be around him?

that did occur to me as a possibility. i think it is unlikely but possible.he is very open with stuff and not withdrawn. both before and now he is very "aggressive" when he visits (which is why I thought he was gay the first time around). but he is also very modest (always has been) about his accomplishments and sometimes i have wondered if that is covering a self esteem issue. i initially ruled it out because it seems implausable in his case but i've been thinking maybe he has low confidence in some areas but not overall. like he thinks he is good and deserving but doesn't trust his judgement under some situations.

that is a very good thought though and may turn out to be right all or at least a little.

-- The world is what we make of it --
-- Dave
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