So yeah, I was thinking a bit about this. And my previous comment stays as is. For considering this answer complete I would like you to go into the "lovely side note" part as for me it sounds like this is mandatory for that approach. But I figured, I wouldn't feel comfortable with leaving such notes. I generally feel uncomfortable with doing that, no matter if it is sincerest or faked. (It always feels like faking for me when doing it, even if what I say is true.) — dhein 1 min ago

@Pacified: Thanks for your comments. As they add important information about your relationship, they should really be part of the question. I edited the question for you to add them. Please review and re-edit if you feel I misunderstood something. — sleske 1 min ago

Sorry, but I have a hard time seeing how this answers the question. Could you edit to clarify? — sleske 1 min ago

You should probably break this into 2 separate questions. The social aspect of dealing with where to go to lunch is very different from dealing with recruiters suggesting jobs you don't want. — Rob K 40 secs ago