But it is weird, why do they do it!

Selective pressures in the ancestral environment for a hyperactive sense of external agency!

… Why would there be selective pressures for that, so we don't all break down in futility?

Suppose you're in the ancestral environment, and you see suspicious movement behind some bushes. Could be nothing. Could be a lion. On average which assumption do you think left you with the most descendants?

Ok, point.

I wouldn't have thought that'd make people believe in a god but I guess it makes sense.

Well it makes people believe in gods of things, evolution isn't neat enough that people will only imagine agency where there is none in bush-like situations, so you get it everywhere like with lightning and stuff.

Yeah it makes sense. It just never occurred to me.

Still weird.

Now you're just using that word wrong!

I don't know what other word to use! It's bizarre, seems like they should just get over themselves?

Why would they? How would they?

I mean Canada's doing pretty well, for people getting over themselves.

Sure and it took only, oh, seven thousand years. Go us.

But it's still getting somewhere.

Mmhm. It seems that education, security, and wealth obviate the need for gods.

It'll probably go with time…

Probably, but that time is not zero and I have to deal with him.

Hopefully with help.

Hopefully.

They chat more, over the coming weeks, and make actual plans to meet up. Her place first, to show how nonthreatening he and their relationship are.

Anthony arrives at the appropriate time, dropped off by his mom, and knocks on the door.

A tall man opens the door. "Can I help you?"

"Hello, I'm Anthony," he responds. "Kaede invited me?"

"Oh, yes, my son mentioned. Do come in."

He smiles and comes into the house!

… Does it look like people take their shoes off before entering the house, should he do that, he wouldn't like to step on anyone's toes.

Yep, it does look like that.

"I'll go get him upstairs."

"Thank you," smiles Anthony. "Is it okay if I just leave my shoes here…?"

Oh dear it is so horrifying trying to be nice and smiley towards him.