Characters
Reader 1 — male or female
Reader 2 — female, older than Reader 1
Reader 3 — male or female

Reader 1: (to Reader 2) I’m new in this area, and I’m lonely. I wish I could find a good friend, maybe a partner.

Reader 2: What kind of friend or partner are you looking for — an extrovert? Rich? Assertive? Educated?

Reader 3: (to Reader 2) Aren’t you being a bit personal?

Reader 2: Yes. When I look for a friend there are some qualities I am quite sure about.

Reader 1: For example?

Reader 2: I want friends who are loyal and self-reliant.

Reader 3: Oh, so you make a list of “friendship traits”?

Reader 2: There are all kinds of lists....

Reader 1: I like to be with people who are aware of what they think and feel.

Reader 3: Well, my mother always told me to avoid crowds, that bore…