Sylvie broke the comfortable silence with a casual statement, "You know, Eli, I've been pondering..."

Eli's voice held a note of intrigue, "About what, Sylvie?"

Her friend's expression turned thoughtful, "About men, Eli. How some men try too hard, which can make them appear desperate or needy, and how they often fall short in showing social and romantic maturity, among the other attributes that women appreciate."

Eli nodded, "Yes, I know what you mean. And then there are the men who try to play it too cool, you know? Act like they are 'hard to get'. But they just come across as distant or withdrawn. Like they are not really engaged or in control of the situation. Kind of mentally... how do you say... spaced out."

With a thoughtful air, Sylvie replied, "Absolutely, Eli. Attraction is more dependably nurtured within the delicate balance that lies between these two extremes. It's not about being too excited or too distant, but rather about discovering that perfect balance in the middle."

Curiosity laced Eli's words, "But how does someone find that balance?"

Sylvie explained, "A very good question, Eli. It involves understanding and navigating the range that exists between excessive eagerness and extreme aloofness. It's about cultivating self-awareness, confidence, empathy, active listening skills, authenticity, and respect."

Eli nodded again, "That makes a lot of sense. So, it's not just about what the man does, but also about how he makes the woman feel."

Sylvie smiled, "Exactly, Eli. It's about making the woman feel valued, respected, and comfortable. That's the real secret to attraction."

"Very true."

With a thoughtful expression, Sylvie asked, "Eli, have you ever thought about what makes a man attractive? Not just physically, but on a deeper level?"

Eli nodded, "Yes, I have. It's not just about looks, is it? There's so much more to it."

Sylvie agreed, "Absolutely. When we first get to know a man, whether as a potential dating partner or even as a fun, casual lover, we ask ourselves a series of questions about him. It's like an internal dialogue."

Curiosity piqued Eli's voice, "Hmm. I think I know what you mean. What sort of questions, Sylvie?"

Sylvia's dark brown eyes took on a distant, reflective look as she explained, "Those questions help determine how we categorize a man – is he just a platonic friend, someone who could be a romantic partner, or a person best avoided? We analyse all the little things."

She ticked them off on her long fingers. "Is he kind and respectful, or does he act entitled and crass? Does he make me feel safe and cherished when I'm with him?"

"We notice if he has a generous spirit, if he goes out of his way to help others without wanting praise. Does he constantly interrupt when I speak, or does he listen attentively? How does he treat service staff and strangers - with kindness or dismissive rudeness?"

A wistful smile played across her lips. "And, of course, does he have the capacity for the emotional intimacy and vulnerability true partnership requires?"

She let out a breathy laugh. "It's like we're constantly grading them, studying each interaction like a spell we must decipher to discern their true character."

Eli nodded in understanding, "I see. So, knowing these questions and how their answers change the way we see a man can help us do better in the complicated game of attraction."

Sylvie smiled knowingly, "Absolutely. Rather than passively hoping for a positive outcome while we answer these questions on our own, a man who grasps this concept can actively shape how we perceive him."

Eli laughed lightly, "Well, that's a secret we should keep to ourselves, Sylvie!"

With a grin, Sylvie replied, "Agreed, Eli. Our little secret."

A year gone by and just tumbleweeds......

In their recent video update (which really needed sub titles in places) during their 'open house' at Rails of Sheffield, not even the faintest whiff of N in the air.

Two-up: that is quite correct.

Quote from: Bealman on April 25, 2024, 11:16:15 PMTwo up is nothing to do with bowls. It's a game which was played by the Diggers in WWI. It's basically heads or tails played with three coins tossed up in the air from a purpose made wood shoe. Hence the phrase "Come in spinner".

If you want to bet $10 on heads, you just wave it in the air and yell "$10 on heads" and another crowd member matches it by giving you $10 to hold. If you win, you keep it, if you lose, you give him/her the $20.

I thought it's was called Two-up for using two coins, but maybe refers to two coins having the same side "up". The three coin variation is to ensure a result every toss in that 2 of the coins will match (either heads or tails) each time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-up

I only played it as a kid and certainly not for cash. I think the currency was lollies, probably Minties.
Mark

Aurora Australis was visible from the bus stop last night

Quote from: crewearpley40 on Yesterday at 10:41:14 PMAre you trying to recreate the events of August 8 1963 mick

No, but the lights on the TPO coaches impressed a few who'd not seen/heard of them, bearing in mind Heatherley is strictly a DC layout

Love the 40 mick on the TPOs

Type 2 smooth running too

Are you trying to recreate the events of August 8 1963 mick

No, that is the other Paul Young!

My aged Farish Brush Type 2 has had a split gear replaced by a well known Dr of this forum and runs sweetly once again

Farish class 31 with MK1s on Heatherley by Mick Hollyoake, on Flickr

Meanwhile a somewhat naughty TPO train was hauled by a split head code class E.E. Type 4 (naughty as the coaches ranged from 1960s stock through to much later)

Split headcode class 40 with TPO  train on Heatherley by Mick Hollyoake, on Flickr

Before Sad Café Paul Young was lead singer with the Q Tips.
Here they are with a soul rendition........