For the Neanderthal of the human species (aka the male) it’s way beyond time he’s learned that no means no. I consider myself more fully evolved than my fellow homo stupidus in that I even know when yes means no.

   Carol is as laid back a southern Californian as you can imagine, but with her New York pedigree, it’s made for some interesting comminglings when it comes to expressing her wishes, especially when those wishes encompass the negative. That I’ve been a quick study in discerning the “no” at the center of her various initial affirmations or accommodations is probably why she’s spread around her conclusion that I am a “keeper.”