I can’t maintain relationships with men. Six months is out of the question, let alone a year.

I’ll answer too—Maezawa from the CEO’s office. > Maybe because I seem quiet and matter-of-fact, men probably think I’m someone who’s very transactional. They wouldn’t think that based on that alone. If by “quiet and matter-of-fact” you mean even during an adult relationship (intimate), then they may think you’re a “dead fish,” and that might possibly be why those relationships don’t last very long. Of course, I know some women are like that, but men generally prefer women who show that they’re enjoying themselves and can’t help making a little noise. So if that applies to you, I think you should watch some adult videos and practice making sounds—even if you’re acting. I said acting is fine, but you can’t let them realize it’s an act. You need to act in a way that makes it absolutely impossible to tell. > How can I find someone who will support me over the long term? If you have trouble talking because you’re nervous or whatever, just smile. Give them a nice, warm smile. Smile every time your eyes meet. Practice smiling in the mirror at home, too. There’s no point worrying about whether you look strange or whether your smile seems forced, so forget about that. Even if you think you look strange, smile. Even if it’s a little stiff, that’s fine. The act of smiling itself has meaning. If they ask, “What?” just say something like: “I just wanted to look at your face.” That should be enough. If you keep smiling no matter what they say, men will gradually find themselves drawn to you without even realizing it. Probably.

How about writing something in your profile like: “I may come across as reserved, but I actually love talking. It just takes me a little time to open up”? Think carefully about the wording so it comes across that you’re not quiet because you’re boring—you want to talk, but find it difficult at first. I hope it catches the eye of a kind papa (a male supporter). Marika

I’m Aya, a female member. Do you have any real-life friends or a boyfriend? Maybe try treating your papas the same way you treat them. That’s what helps me maintain these relationships. I’m generally someone whose arrangements last for over a year, and I think that’s because I’m fairly open with my papas about my family, work, and personal feelings. I’ll even confide in them about problems at work, tell them when something bothers me, and listen seriously when they talk about themselves. I think keeping these things in mind helps relationships last.

I’m Kazu, a male member. I don’t think being matter-of-fact has anything to do with viewing the relationship as transactional. Nor do I think that having a transactional outlook has anything to do with whether a relationship lasts. I believe that for a relationship to continue, it’s important for the woman to show her individuality and keep the man from getting bored.

I’m Meg, a female member. Your message gets your point across perfectly well. Your ideal papa (a male supporter) is someone who doesn’t mind communicating through emails or other written messages. My papa told me right from the start, “If there’s anything you want to say, feel free to tell me by email.” He always replies, too. You might want to mention in your profile that this is the kind of papa you’re looking for.

I’m Flag Maker, a columnist. “Keeping things transactional” means dealing with feelings of loneliness and the like in your private life, and showing your papa only your best side. In other words, the fact that you haven’t truly been able to keep things transactional isn’t getting through to the man you’re seeing. If that’s the case, maybe you should stop trying to keep things separate. Lay all your loneliness and feelings on your papa—depend on him to that extent. I get the feeling that some papas are looking for exactly that kind of relationship.