Y'know Richard...you're right.
I do keep the "one foot out the door" thing mentally. I view many things as conflicts, to be won or lost. Rachel was no exception, despite the fact that her absolute honesty was an exception to the rule. I can see, looking into past relationships, where that stems from, but I cannot shake it - in fact, I don't know if I WANT to shake it. When that changes, it may make things better. Maybe not.
Richard, I do consider you a friend - despite the fact that you're a hyperactive, rules-centered 16 year old.
Thank you for your astute observations on my character - I don't think of them as attacks at all. I understand your intent behind them.
Jim