Reading Between the Lines

I have a flesh friend who required that I learn to read between the lines. It took years but I think I have finally acquired some skill in that area.

"oh come on over any time... any time at all."

Now don't be foolish and drop in unannounced. You might get a very chilly reception, regardless of what was said. What was said and what was meant are often two different things. There are some things you say simply because it is the polite thing to say.

I hadn't seen my friend for a couple of weeks so I was a little surprised yesterday when she called about 4:30pm. First, that's way later than is usual. Way late. Then she asked me if I wanted to come over. I wasn't sure if that's what she really wanted or not, but I begged off anyway. Too hot. It was too hot and I didn't want to leave my apartment which was about 15 degrees cooler than outside. When she said 'maybe tomorrow' I said, 'yeah... maybe tomorrow.'

She called a few minutes ago and asked if I wanted to come over. I couldn't tell for sure if she really wanted a visitor or not. I was almost on the verge of saying 'oh sure... why not. I need to get out of the apt. for a while' but fortunately I heard it. I heard her little 'tell'. Its something in her voice... a little something. I can't even describe it, but it was there, so I passed on coming over.

I think my friend was relieved. I know I was... relieved that I picked up on the tell. You could hear it in her voice.