I met Robert on Christmas Night 1998 at the Xchange Hotel in Commercial Road. We were introduced by a mutual friend who allegedly whispered in his ear "Merry Christmas". We met up again the next day for lunch and a movie (the awful "Prince of Egypt") and moved in together five months later.

We had some wonderful years together, and separated at the end of 2004. I learned from him the importance of self-respect.

Robert died suddenly in October 2015.