"Then what I took to be an example of typical relationships of a time closer to your own is a fantasy, meant to provide comfort when a better situation is not possible. I have made a great miscalculation."
That just strikes Daneel as very sad, a regrettable situation. If this is the truth, though, then neither possibility (either the one in the books or the one Ned describes) is ideal.
"What is ideal, then? If men wish for women to care for them, and women wish for men to care for them, then ideally in a relationship both parties should take the role of caretaker in equal measure. Is this correct?"
That seems very reasonable, a very simple solution for a thorny problem, but to his point of view there remains one complication.
"I do not need providing for, Ned, though it does please me that I am the object of such emotions from you. I do not need feeding or pampering, nor for you put all your needs, desires, and interests aside for me. I do not want that, and it would grieve me greatly if you did. Does this present a problem?"
no subject
That just strikes Daneel as very sad, a regrettable situation. If this is the truth, though, then neither possibility (either the one in the books or the one Ned describes) is ideal.
"What is ideal, then? If men wish for women to care for them, and women wish for men to care for them, then ideally in a relationship both parties should take the role of caretaker in equal measure. Is this correct?"
That seems very reasonable, a very simple solution for a thorny problem, but to his point of view there remains one complication.
"I do not need providing for, Ned, though it does please me that I am the object of such emotions from you. I do not need feeding or pampering, nor for you put all your needs, desires, and interests aside for me. I do not want that, and it would grieve me greatly if you did. Does this present a problem?"