Could be — but somehow I don’t picture John as a man who needs an escape route.

If I were you, I wouldn’t feel in the least guilty about going to the gym (or was your remark meant facetiously?) While it may be important to get our writing done, the gym is good! One of the greatest occupational hazards of the writer is sitting in front of the computer all day and getting zero exercise! Not only is this bad for our general health and fitness, but it’s also a sure way of gaining unwanted weight. So, I think it’s great that you’re finding that balance between writing and exercising!

Jeanne

I wonder if John had planned his escape route by omitting the full stop.

I knew I shouldn’t have read this article because now I feel guilty as I leave for the gym.

Nice catch. I didn’t want to make it too obvious.

This is a tough habit to shed! But, I applaud you for practicing what you preach by refusing to talk yourself out of using that terminal preposition in your bulleted list! Bravo!

Jeanne