Was reading through the posts....
I have a thot:
In all interactions, a relationship is established. When a relationship is established, there will definitely be exchanges. If the two parties are of their same ethnicity and race, there will be less communication problem.
However, I seem to get the impression that you and the person you have engaged are of different origins? Perhaps different race? If this is the case, one possible reason could be misperception arising from differences in culture? Your ways and comments and words may be misinterpreted as being inconsiderate or rude in his culture. And so, he reacts coldly or negatively because his feelings have been hurt.
Maybe you wanna think about having a session with him - not to talk about the project - but just to "lay everything on the table" and discuss about expectations - where you are coming from and attempt to understand where he is coming from; why it is that h is reacting such way.
Just my thoughts... about poss cultural differences. Of course I may be wrong if you are both of similar / same cultures... if so, wanna enlighten?
Good luck in your attempts to sort this out...
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Kayceezharold
The World Thru Kayceez Eyes Earn As You Learn