…the way he said “okey-doke” when I’d tell him I’d see him in a bit.

…the goofy pics he’d send with his texts.

…his ability to work jazz hands into every conversation — and in a funny, non-gay way.

…the way he touched my free hand when I was driving.

…the fact that he came up with a pet name for me that never felt like a pet name or pissed me off (it was a variation on “Dirk.”)

And before someone suggests I call The Fella, let me just say it’s not going to happen. I suggested this break in part because I was worried things might be feeling forced, but mainly because I’d rather end things before I fell hard for him and he made the inevitable announcement he’d met someone else.