10Getting Strategic

In 1997 I ended an eight-year relationship with a woman I'd met at university. The break-up was my fault. I'd become a banker, so finally had some money in my pocket. I'd also filled-out physically and developed a degree of aptitude when communicating with the opposite sex (from a very low base). Basically – having gained a degree of confidence – I was keen to explore its potential: a common cause of male-instigated relationship breakdown for similarly-aged couples in their 30s.

On noticing my restlessness, my employers – mostly men in their 40s (many having been through the same process) – decided I was the perfect man to fill their vacancy in New York: world epicentre of restless outsiders. Of course, I'd loved the city ...

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