When You Date Ben

Hi, my name is Billy.

BEN: There are some things you should know.

I am dating Ben.

When you date Ben, you make compromises.

BEN: You really want to see that movie? Cause honestly, I don't.

They're your compromises that you choose to make. Ben doesn't force you to do anything. He does, however, say things like--

BEN: I mean, you can still go, but I'll just go home then.

--and--

BEN: Or maybe hang out with this kid I talked to online last night.

When you date Ben, you're not allowed to get angry.

BEN: We're not really dating.

Because you're not really dating.

BEN: I don't want to make this a big deal.

When you date Ben, you can't really have Ben.

BEN: I hate when you try to be affectionate in public.

You have to keep in mind that people are watching.

BEN: Marissa is so hot. Don't you think she's hot?

When you date Ben, you're constantly reminded this his sexuality is something flexible. It could change at any moment.

BEN: See, I still think girls are hot. This is why I'm not quick to label myself, because what if--

When you date Ben, there are a lot of "what if"s.

BEN: Can we not cuddle? I'm not into cuddling.

When you date Ben, everything is formal.

BEN: I'm not into that lovey-dovey stuff.

Strict.

BEN: It's just not me.

Rigid.

BEN: That's okay, right?

Because if it's not--

BEN: If it's not--

You're gone.

BEN: Then we should think about this.

When you date Ben, a relationship is "this."

BEN: This has gotten kind of weird.

A relationship is "this thing."

BEN: This thing between us, it's just starting to freak me out.

Love is sex.
Guilt is necessary to achieve love which is sex.
Identity is tied into guilt which is necessary to achieve love which is sex.

When you date Ben, you're playing with those little Russian dolls that start big and then get smaller and smaller and smaller as you go deeper.

BEN: I mean, we're going to be doing a show together. I don't like to date people I'm in shows with because it makes things complicated.

When you date Ben, you have to avoid complication, emotion, devotion, causing a commotion--

BEN: I could be on Broadway tomorrow. No problem.

When you date Ben, you have to nod your head and smile a lot.

BEN: Don't you think?

Nod.
Smile.
Die a little.

When you date Ben, you know one day it'll all end, and that day will be sooner rather than later.

BEN: This just isn't working out.

When you date Ben, you watch him go back and forth.

BEN: I love you.

Then--

BEN: I don't know how I feel.

One day--

BEN: Don't leave me, okay?

The next day--

BEN: You're smothering me.

When you date Ben, you're expected to be--

BEN: I like straight-acting guys.

Straight-acting.

BEN: I like your hair shorter.

Cut your hair.

BEN: That shirt makes you look stupid.

Change your shirt.

And the truth is, one day you're getting dropped off in front of your dorm and it's--

BEN: So, let's just let this go, okay?

And you're saying okay.
And he drives away.
And you go back in your room.
And you lay on your bed.

And suddenly--

You're not dating Ben anymore.