Oh, if he's easily intimidated, just get down on his level and stay very neutral, easy peasy going, say "drop it" matter of factly, positive positive positive, keep eye contact and keep him corralled until he drops it. He will eventually - you just have to wait him out staying steady, light, positive but neutrally insistent. Then the party. Just repeat that way each time and he will learn you are nice and easy about it but going to stay with him until he drops it. No sweat or strain - just mommie being persistent. Tibbe was like that at first, easily intimidated and scared, and then his training I guess and just a different kind of life has given him a lot of self-assurance. He's a bit of a toot now.
__________________  Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis |