It makes sense to me when people assume that Denys and I are a couple, because he's out and we live together. It completely blindsided me with AP, both because neither of us is gay and because in the social context of those two bars I thought everybody knew of my interest in Hazel. It made me realize what a cipher I was to most of those people.

As for hoping for a relationship or not, I think the reason I settled on not was because I could never figure out a way to keep hoping without signaling desperation. Also my experience with Sharee tells me that it's still possible to find a relationship even when you're not looking. However, one of the things I've learned about myself over the years is that I'm a very passive person, so I know my approach isn't for everyone.