"Acknowledged conspiracy"? No wonder I can't handle it. That kind of thing sets my hair on end. I remain comically unaware of the forms, and charmingly obtuse about any sort of non-pervy interest until the exasperated fellow just comes out with it. Which, honestly, I prefer. Cards on the table is how I get *my* friss on.

(And yes, I do think it's possible to be frank without being rude. It's quite a beautiful thing to see.) (As are men, IMO, but you probably don't want to go there.)