How do I politely create some distance, and maybe some clear boundaries, as situations occur with an male acquaintance? As I view what has occurred, I know there are several things that I can communicate that will help somewhat: (1) request a change from the texting (either use email or phone instead) because I do not like texting, it makes me feel like I am being "summoned" and being kept on the texting for periods of time that I do not like, and I try to be polite, but want to sign off immediately, and dread the sound of the notifications. (2) I want to stop the personal questions (about my income, etc.) , or leading questions about how was my day - because I do not like re-hashing my day in my evening or my time away from work (leave work at work please) (3) and when we part at the end of the evening, I do not want assumptions about "getting together next week" - because I did not agree to this, maybe I have my own plans, and I would prefer to be asked rather than dictated to. Seems that I find this person to be either needy/clingy - or dictating/controlling, along with different sense of what is desirable about communications. This person is only an acquaintance, and that is all that it can be, and there was a strange encounter yesterday as a female person (stranger to me) entered the building and stated my name upon seeing me (which took me aback), and she stated "I know that you're getting together with ___ tonight, and that it's ok" with her - she stated that she's his fiancé (I think she said that)" I don't want to get in the middle of someone else's drama. On the one hand, I don't like feeling that I am baby-sitting this guy when his girlfriend is not available, and on the other hand - I should be ok about being simply friends with an individual (altho even with my friends I do not want anyone planning my time or making assumptions). I could go ahead and just disrupt the pattern that is perhaps emerging - by saying "no". Then I go through these thoughts about - asking myself "why am I even getting together with this person at any time?" My answer seems to be - simply socializing, making acquaintanceships because it's a good idea to know people who are around, and as long as he seems like a reasonable respectful intelligent person then that should be ok (in general terms) as long as he doesn't invade my life and time. So - what do I say to this male - do I ask about the female fiancé? Do I say "no" or do I provide more explanation? Do I abruptly just end all communication, or do I allow some? What do I want out of all this? How do I stop the annoying questions? I don't believe that it is my responsibility to entertain someone with my personal life.