LT - oops you did it again - t didnt respond according to the script in your head. Like i wonder what comes first? The motivation to hear him respond as you wish, or the impetus to say the thing that makes him react? Like literally putting the cart before the horse. You know? Maybe it isnt about whatever the topic is, as much as it is the mechanics of the conversation. It's not FREE, its constrained by your expectations. And maybe? Probably? he knows when you are doing that and will react surprisingly to shake things up. You have this whole conversation in your head - what is he needed for?

This seems deep to me but i havent had my coffee yet!