Does that mean we’re connected in some way by photography?

Yes, and some day, when it turns out they are an axe murderer (or worse) and people Google their name, the photo with you in it will pop up, and everyone will wonder if you are what drove them to become an axe murderer… 🤣

If it goes bad once, I toss it. Not worth the risk of it failing again.

I shoot Canon, the 24-105mm is my everyday, walk-around lens. It’s on my camera all the time.