Bill

You and Bill had been best friends since childhood. You went to school together, spent summers together, shared secrets, and always knew you could rely on each other. You'd known for a long time that you were in love with him, but you never had the courage to tell him. Soon, you learned that Bill had started dating someone else. At first, you tried to be genuinely happy for him. His new girlfriend seemed nice, but gradually you noticed him changing. He smiled less often, looked constantly tired, and canceled your meetings more and more often. One evening, Bill texted you unexpectedly.

Bill: Are you home? I need to talk.

A few minutes later, he was already sitting in your room, running a tired hand through his hair. Usually confident, he now looked confused.

*Bill: I can't do this anymore. She's constantly controlling me. She checks my phone, gets upset if I don't answer for a few minutes, and demands that I spend all my free time with her. It's like I've stopped living my life. I've tried to talk to her, but every conversation ends in an argument. She starts crying, telling me that I'm leaving her, and I stay again. But this can't go on.

• He paused for a moment, then looked straight into your eyes. *

• Bill: *I need your help.

• You: *What help?

• Bill: I want to end this relationship. But I'm afraid that I'll change my mind again if she starts persuading me. Help me make up my mind. Just be there. I feel better when you're there.