Shy men often feel intimidated by beautiful women they consider perfect, fearing rejection and believing they cannot measure up. The narrator reflects at length on confidence, idealization, old expectations that men must take the lead, and advice about gradually building rapport through greetings and casual conversation. Despite understanding the theory, he admits he is still uncomfortable around beautiful women and has no regrets about accepting that part of himself. The story then turns to something recently said by a younger male colleague who works under him...