Episode #16: re: Try not to panic

Apr,14 2026

<-#15: Try not to panic

Hi Bob,

So happy that things calmed down and that Samantha will come over tonight to your place. I do understand that you all plan to stay dressed!

That's probably prudent.

I like that you told me that story, Bob. Thank you for trusting me with it. It certainly explains a lot.

That must not have been easy to live through.

I am thrilled that you married a woman who is there to help you with it, and my friend, I am here for you.

I do admit that I am way more comfortable talking about it via email, but rest assured that if you open up in person, I will try to be there for you.

You don't have to live through this alone. You shouldn't have lived through that as a kid, that's for sure, but as you said, your parents should have been more there for you.

I fully understand why you went non-contact with them.

Now, Essie has a theory. Yes, I went to her for help. Of course I did.

Her theory is that this is as foundational to your social needs as naturism is for Essie.

That having friends who accept you for this is as crucial to you as Essie needs people to accept her radicalism.

Of course, it's not the same. You were a victim. Like she often says, Essie's situation is self-inflicted, but Bob, you are heard.

And I accept you. Of course I do. We are friends, aren't we?

And next time we see each other outside the office, I will be there for you.

But now, I understand more of you.

I am glad you opened up. It's going to make us better friends in the long term.

And I am there for you. Fully.

As for your question. Yes, we are trying for kids. Linda heard that right.

We've only been trying for 4 months, so it's still early enough to not ask doctors, but it's late enough for us to worry, you know?

Essie used to take Seasonale, notably because it reduces the number of her very painful periods per year, and our doctor did tell us that it was unclear when she would be fertile enough.

Do you want to hear something ironic, Bob?

If a woman skips even a single day of the pill when she doesn't want to get pregnant, it can still happen.

But if she stops the pill to get pregnant, she might not be for a few months.

How is that fair?

This sucks. How long did it take you for your kids?

We aren't getting younger, and we were hoping to have kids at a younger age, but we wanted to be more secure in our careers.

Now, seeing your kids, it's not a matter of "Let's try to have kids", it's a matter of "When can we get our own?"

Take care, Bob. And don't hesitate to drop by, to call, to text, or to email if you are in a bad place.

What you went through matters, but it doesn't have to decide who you are now.

Your best friend, Peter

<-#15: Try not to panic