On Relationships Big and Small

As a person, I cherish and work to maintain friendships. These are "relationships" that for me are pure, with no strings attached of any kind. Sometimes these "relationships" can turn into something more, but in most cases they do not.

I have maintained a number of friendships with former students and faculty  at the various places I have taught. Many of them are still my "friends" -- a small (very small) number of them became closer than friends. One became my "surrogate daughter" --- very long story there. And one, before I was married -- so pre-1986, became my lover. That wonderful relationship became a lifelong friendship maintained even until today. One former friend even "saved my life" -- another very long story.

My younger students and former students have nothing to fear from me. I would always be honest with them -- supportive, not self-seeking, not controlling. I am not a pervert nor am I a "user" of any kind. I have employed former students for a variety of jobs -- packing, moving, helping to give away or sell furniture, researching, cleaning,  and other tasks. I always am honest with them; pay well; and seek no extra benefits.

I have given away money to those who need it (just for fun) -- or sometimes because a friend just needs a "lift." I don't seek becoming a "sugar daddy" nor an abuser. I am, in the current age of users and abusers (see all the stories about #metoo) an outlier for sure.