The thing is, I tend to look farther ahead than most people. I don't mean that I'm some sort of visionary. Far from it. But I think it's pretty easy to see when you're not really compatible with someone and that the relationship is likely to end badly. I dated quite a bit in high school and college, so I know about heartbreak, tears and recriminations.
Some people seem to be able to treat sex very casually.
Yes, under those circumstances, but in real life there are lots of unexpected and unintended consequences. I chose not to follow up on any of the incidents I described earlier, but it wasn't uncertainty that held me back. It was certainty. The certainty that Elaine is the best thing that has ever happened to me. The certainty that no one will love me harder, longer or sweeter than she does.