If it helps, you can think of me as not being your inmate. No obligation, no worries.

[Should he be trying to set someone else's mind at ease? Or is that getting too pushy? He rubs the scruff of goatee briefly, thoughtful.]

Then next month when we're matched with someone else we still have a foundation. With the .. emotional disconnect you spoke of before, do you enjoy meals? Maybe I can make you something.