Risk

 Jeff understood that some issues are taboo.

This guys’ lunch group will force him to change the subject.

That’s OK, as long as he kept their attention.

What would happen if he let go?

Would asking questions work?

Could he limit the flow of comments?

What happens when they drifted away?

Is that a sign he is not welcome?

There will always be risks.

Can he back off and allow the conversation

To come to him, and

Accept that it might not?

He knew John would try to change the subject,

Pushing Mel or Wally into the dialogue.

What does it matter?

Can he trust these guys?

Jeff has lost control more than once,

Creating imaginary obstacles to acceptance.

His brain and humor should be enough.

But he will never risk the isolation.