Edwin and I have trouble getting on in this apartment. I am working very hard to be helpful and not intrusive. Kay warned me that Edwin was not happy that I would be here for a whole month. I had no idea why.

Edwin seems generally very angry. Angry with Israel killing Palestinians. Angry with me over how I treated Kay. Angry when I discuss him with people on the phone. He overheard two conversations I had with Merinda and Ms Q, and conflating them got angry because I discussed pages on this site with Merinda in the Blue Typhoon, or maybe it was for showing Ms Q videos of him driving it, not sure. (Having a lousy memory for trivia, I had to contact them and ask what we discussed to untangle the story. Both assured me I had been positive and respectful.) Maybe he did not like that I was talking to a girlfriend. I did say that I find it very uncomfortable living in a space with pets. That is absolutely true; only smoking and pets are relationship deal breakers for me. Nevertheless, I am always kind to birdie, even if I am relieved I do not have to live with him permanently.

Discussing Gaza over dinner left me feeling that he is considering a career as a conspiracy theorist. He wants me to accept that all major news outlets are in the pay of their governments and cannot be trusted. He accused me of being in favour of genocide. I can understand why Netanyahu likes the idea, but that does not apply approval! Perhaps I should be glad that he has a global conscience?

He told me that he thinks I am an arsehole, and he hates every aspect of my life.

What to do?
I think the only sensible course of action is to continue to cook, clean, make the apartment bird-friendly, and hope he sees enough that one day he reconsiders his opinion. Meanwhile I plan to minimise future incursions into New Zealand. In the words of Monty Python, it is a silly place, for me to be.

A couple of days later and things are improving. Perhaps the anger spell was a passing mood?

Update 1 year on. Edwin now Venra, and we get on much better. Less anger.