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The Cast of Characters

Answer side by side

The exes. The statute of limitations has expired. Discuss.

The question sits across the top; you each answer on your own page. Whoever writes second reads the first answer before writing — agree, argue, or correct the record.

Why this question

What you actually thought at the time, what you said instead — and the one you secretly liked.

And once you’ve both answered

Which verdict were you most right about — and which “I told you so” do I still owe you?

Answering it honestly

  • Whoever writes second reads the first answer before writing — properly, not a skim. Your page can agree, argue, or correct the record.
  • Be specific. Dates, places, what was playing, who else was there. Wrong details are welcome; they're evidence.
  • Don't negotiate a joint version. Two accounts that refuse to match are worth more than one polished one.

And the house rule, whatever the mode: leave a blank rather than write a lie. A blank can be filled later; a lie sits in the archive forever, and you both have to live with the paperwork.

More from The Cast of Characters

Sketch the supporting cast of this friendship — the recurring characters who've orbited us.

What has every partner of yours had to learn about this friendship?

Who was once part of “us” that we've lost touch with?

Worth keeping both answers?

The Archive of Us holds your version and theirs, side by side — the two-voice record of a friendship, kept privately for the two of you. You can open a printable document whenever you like.

Send them a seat