Sincere thanks, all of you, for giving me more to think about and also making me laugh about this ! Galoshes and henna tattoos...wow, what else have I been missing all my life ?

I am still going with my gut feelings and instinct on this. You summed up exactly how I feel, Ellenpoly. I come from the same kind of background of experiences when I was young, and I learned from the mistakes I made. I think maybe that is what makes me so determined now. Thanks for your post: you put it very well.

SueB: whoever wrote that Rule Book is spot on ! Unwittingly, I had been applying Rule #15 and it has had the exact effect described. Surprise, surprise, the man in question came to see me today and I think I should now rename myself "Hot, Bothered and Bewildered" ;) I must add that this man originates from North Africa and I think I have quite a challenge here. He is more than likely thinking the same. Bargaining over couscous in the souk would be a piece of cake by comparison. Time...or six months...or less ;) will tell.

Hot, Bothered and Bewildered