The bald-faced deception in this is craaaazy, like i have never seen such an overt display of lying in my life
A more truthful answer from him at this point in his life (I’d argue):
“I’d rather you think I was a hardworking shut-in than know the actual truth, which is that the reason I am not seen out socially very much is because I am so often in hospital.
In truth, when I am not in hospital I try to go out as often as I can. I mean, there have been times I’ve been so unwell I’ll go out in my pyjamas, just as long as I can get out of the house. I have an inability to be alone that borders on pathological and must be occupied at all times, so whilst I don’t love parties, I will attend them to revel with my friends. I do this to remind myself that the priest hasn’t seen me off into the heady unknown just yet. And also, to meet women. I do love meeting women. I would go so far as to say I will make any and all necessary time for the pursuing of women, often at the expense of other things in my life.
When I am not making time for pursuing women and socialising, I may spend some time with my family — I really can’t be alone, y’see, and I do like my brothers and sisters. When my dad starts breathing down my neck about how my younger siblings are beginning to exceed me in maturity, or my mother makes noises about going to church, I’ll go out on my boat. Nobody can get me on the water.
No, I’ve never really had a serious girlfriend. My main issue is that I like spending time with a girl who’s got a brain and challenges me intellectually — no honestly, it’s weird but I genuinely do — but due to my general upbringing and lack of maturity, I am incapable of seeing women with any complexity (despite having many, many sisters with whom I am very close).
The idea of having someone around who makes demands of my time, expects anything of me or tries to express a desire for true emotional connection makes me itchy. I suppose I’ll have to settle down at some point, or Dad says everyone will start to think I’m gay. I guess it would be okay if my wife stays at home, out of my way, and doesn’t ask any questions or voice any opinions on my behaviour. My type? Well, busty blondes, obviously.
Huh? Oh, sorry… I was thinking of this one— never mind.”
