doctor_j_crane | [60]

For reasons totally unrelated to the recent flood, I've recently turned my mind to the issue of barge romantic relationships. [Crane sounds awkward just saying it.] Frankly, I'm confused as to why anyone could ever think that it ever would work out. Ignoring numerous public examples of messy arguments between wardens and inmates alike, I've never in my experience heard of a prison being described as a good dating environment. While the inmates do obviously suffer a certain lack of options, it's the wardens that persist in romantic liaisons that surprise me.

How can your supposed relationships have real meaning if they have an expiration date date? Or would you be willing to give up your family, friends and universe for one person who seemed like a good option while you were in a prison? You can believe me when I say that it isn't only unrealistic, it's unhealthy. It's no more valuable than a relationship forged in a war zone, done by the same messy necessity and a certain need to settle for what is available, no matter how substandard. It's disturbing how easily you all seem to give in to the delusion that it means something. It doesn't. It just has that sliver more meaning than the rest of your pointless existence on the barge. Furthermore, it's a disservice to your inmates and not to mention a failure in your duties as wardens. You're not here to find meaningful relationships with each other. You're supposed to be helping us.

[Pause. Crane sounds slightly more amused.] I hadn't done this in a while. It's highly therapeutic for me to tell you all the ways that you're wrong. I recommend it highly to other inmates.

[Private- Edward Nygma]

It could be slightly related to the flood. [The longest pause.] I'm not sure that I want to talk about it. I do apologize though.

[OOC: Whoops, going to do that post and run thing. Will be back in eight hours, after sleep. <3]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I have the capability to make friends. People are reasonably easy to please if you know what they want. But I choose not to.

That's not the same as having friends.

Doesn't it reach your quota of necessary hair braiding?

Friendship requires trust. Trust doesn't come from doing whatever pleases people. That's called 'ass-kissing.'

You don't understand. Friendship is based on mutual benefit. It's a natural survival instinct. For friendship to exist, you have to have something to offer or be able to fill a need for the other person. It's usually something subconscious.

That may be how it starts, but those are the friendships that fade if you don't work at them. The ones that don't matter as much. Real friendship is stronger than that.

How exactly is it 'stronger than that'?

A real friend is someone you can trust. Someone who cares about you and doesn't let you fall too far. Someone you care about, who you'd drop everything to come help. Something that outlives its own usefulness.

That sounds like being unhealthily co-dependant to me.

You wouldn't understand. You've never had a real friend, have you?

I have. More than one. [...Two. Friendsish, maybe not real friends.]

Oh really? Actual friends, not just people you're using for one thing or another?

Yes, not that it's any of your business.

I don't believe you.

I don't care if you don't believe me. It's true.

[60] - [Voice]

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