issue

I like a man who gets carried away talking about something.

An old engine, for instance. He starts with a simple answer, then realizes I’ll need to know three other things first. Now he’s moving the salt and pepper around to demonstrate. Apparently the mustard is important.

I may understand very little of this. I’m enjoying myself.

There’s something about watching a man forget to be cool. His voice changes. He leans forward. The hands get involved. He interrupts himself because he’s remembered the really good part. We could be here a while.

Then comes the apology. “Sorry. I’m probably boring you.”

That part bothers me. Who taught him to apologize just when he was getting interesting?

I can appreciate a good-looking man sitting there looking good. But I like finding out what gets him going when he isn’t trying to get anybody going. Something he’s spent years learning that wouldn’t have occurred to me to ask about.

I like being let in on something, particularly when he thinks I might enjoy it enough to explain it properly.

And yes, watching his hands has become a separate interest. I can follow two things. Approximately.

I’ll probably ask a stupid question.

Good. That ought to keep him talking.