Bill: Have you got a minute, Robert?
Robert: Yes, sure. What’s up?
Bill: I thought you might be able to help me sort something out… it’s about this friend of mine …
Robert: Man or woman?
Bill: What? Oh, man. If a friend of yours thought he was falling in love with a woman, what advice would you give him?
Robert: Could you be a bit more precise, Bill? What exactly is your… I mean your friend’s problem?
Bill: Well, if he wanted to show her how he feels, what would you tell him to do?
Robert: If he had a lot of confidence, I’d say tell her straight out that he’d like to get to know her better.
Bill: But he already knows her well. They’ve been friends for a long time.
Robert: Close friends?
Bill: Flatmates… er, er I think that’s what he said.
Robert: Ah, well, then, that makes things a little more difficult, as we well know! She’s probably used to considering him a friend. And I’d imagine she takes him for granted a little, is that right?
Bill: Yes, yes, that’s it exactly! She’d be very surprised if he admitted how he felt!
Robert: Well then, tell your ‘friend’ that if he wants to let her know, he will have to be subtle about it. He should try and convince her gradually.
Bill: But how?
Robert: Well, by spoiling her, for example. If he makes little romantic gestures, she will begin to see that he’s more than a friend.
Bill: I can see that… but friend said he’s worried she’ll reject him. He’s losing sleep and can’t think about anything else.
Robert: Look, Bill, if he really wants to win her over, then he’ll have to make a move at some point… if he leaves it for too long she might meet somebody else. Why doesn’t he wait for a relaxed moment and ask her about her childhood?
Bill: I’m not sure he’ll say the right things…
Robert: Look, Bill, it’s Gemma, isn’t it?
Bill: No, no, it’s a friend of mine… OK, OK, it’s Gemma. I just can’t stop thinking about her. It’s driving me crazy!
Robert: Bill, just be yourself. Gemma likes you a lot… and I’m sure that if you talked to her you’d find she feels the same way. Stop worrying about what might happen and do something!!
Bill: You’re right! Thanks, Robert, and wish me luck!