The only solution is to formalize <i>everything</i>.<p>&quot;Hello, may I speak further words to you?&quot;<p>&quot;Hello, would you be comfortable if I help with your project?  Also, I do not want my help to be construed as condescending or demeaning or belittling you, but I have been doing this for 20 years and you seem to be stuck on an introductory problem.&quot;<p>Then you have both parties sign an official collaboration and non-harrassment document, get it notarized, then 6 to 12 days later you may begin working together.