Is what I did unlawful (haram)? And was it a khalwa (private seclusion) when the woman's son was absent? How should I act in future situations if she asks me to come in? Was my speech an overstepping of bounds, bearing in mind His (the Almighty's) saying: "and speak to people kindly"? And what are the limits of speech between me and a woman who speaks to me with gentleness and affection, without me feeling submission or lust from her?

Sitting with a woman and speaking with her in the manner described is not forbidden, due to the absence of suspicion and the non-realization of unlawful seclusion (khalwa (definition)). Unlawful seclusion is that in which a man and a woman are secure from anyone entering upon them. Conversation between men and unrelated women (ajnabiyat) is permissible when there is a need and no fear of temptation (fitna). What is forbidden is conversation without need or when there is fear of temptation, due to the presumption of temptation therein.