He asked me to come visit him while he’s away on a business trip. When I told him I’d be on my period during that time, he said, “The point is to see you. I just want to have dinner and talk.” Can that really happen even in a casual relationship?

Some men and women consider it dating when they meet someone they want to have dinner and talk with, and possibly see things progress. I imagine there are also people who simply decide not to meet while they’re on their period. It really depends on what matters most to you… If you feel meeting during someone’s period would just be a waste of time, it does sound a bit like a business arrangement. I’m sure there are people of both genders who see that as the most practical approach. Personally, I find it more natural and enjoyable not knowing until we meet whether things will progress to an adult relationship (intimate) that day—or whether either of us will even be in the mood, since she might be on her period.

It sounds like your partner has started developing feelings for you. I think you’re at a fairly important crossroads. If you want to keep this as a purely transactional relationship, just make up an excuse and turn him down. Above all, don’t go. If you do, it will convey—at least to some extent—the message that you like him too. And I’m sure the man will inevitably want things to go further. You might be able to get better terms by lying and deceiving him, but I don’t want you to go down that path. That’s the world of hostess clubs and “Itadaki Girl XX-chan.” I feel like it’s a world where something will eventually happen, laws will be enacted, and it will become illegal. As for your question, “Can something like that really happen?”—I don’t think you’re that kind of person, but women like that do exist. Women with a level of genuine commitment you won’t find in either hostess clubs or the adult-entertainment industry. They’re the “hits” for male members of dating clubs. I don’t think you’re one of those “hits,” so you can simply say, “I’m sorry, but if that’s what you’re looking for, I’m not the right match.” If he’s still okay with that, things can continue—and that may be what most dating-club arrangements ultimately are: a relationship where you meet once a month. Taro