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Seeker: Are you busy?

Jeneticist: Not at the moment. What’s up?

Seeker: Just wondering how you are. Making sure you’re well.

Jeneticist: Aw. ??

Jeneticist: That’s sweet! Is it because I’ve been scarce in the group chat this week?

Seeker: I was a little worried. Normally, you’re very…

Jeneticist: Chatty? You can say it. I text more than I talk in real life, though.

Seeker: In person you’re more of a listener?

Jeneticist: You could say that. I mean, if I know someone well or really like them, I’ll talk more. But normally, I nod and smile. I’m always worried about people judging me.

Seeker: I would say their opinions don’t matter, but sometimes they do. For social reasons or matters pertaining to professional advancement.

Jeneticist: Exactly. I’m so glad you get it.

Seeker: I’m a bit of an outsider, but I understand societal conventions.

Jeneticist: An outsider?

[five minutes later]

Seeker: Sorry, I had something to deal with.

Jeneticist: It’s okay. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. If it’s too personal.

Seeker: No, I want to tell you.

Jeneticist: I’m listening.

Seeker: You could say I’ve always been…searching for something. And I’ve never been able to find it. So I substitute experiences for that elusive sense of “yes, this is where I belong.”

Jeneticist: Wow. You don’t fit in with your family?

Seeker: I think they must be disappointed in me, although they’ve never said so.

Jeneticist: Maybe not. You seem pretty flipping awesome to me.

Seeker: Do I?

Jeneticist: You’re deflecting. Just say thank you.

Jeneticist: That’s what I had to learn to do when people paid me compliments that felt untrue or unwarranted. I have to believe they see something I don’t and that they’re sincere in their praise.

Seeker: That is an astute observation.

Jeneticist: I’m definitely not flattering you.

Seeker: Then…thank you. For seeing something that I don’t. ??

Jeneticist: Thanks for checking in, by the way. It’s nice to have someone reach out, wondering how I am.

Seeker: Is that not the norm?

Jeneticist: It’s easy to get caught up in your day-to-day and not touch base with people. I’ve been grading end-of-term papers and just been buried in work.

Seeker: Is that why you’ve been quiet in chat?

Jeneticist: Yeah. I’ll be done soon, thankfully. Then I get a break.

Seeker: Any exciting plans?

Jeneticist: I intend to talk to you more. Does that qualify? ??

Seeker: It does. Definitely.

Jeneticist: I was wondering…

Seeker: What?

Jeneticist: Never mind. I’m not feeling brave enough today. One day maybe I’ll ask.

Seeker: And I’ll be here when you do.