The Early Chapters

Answer side by side

What did you get wrong about me in the early days?

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

The misreading — shyness for arrogance, confidence for not caring, quiet for boring.

And once you’ve both answered

What finally corrected it?

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 Early Chapters

How quickly did this friendship go deep — and why do you think it could?

Pick the early story about us that has been most improved in the retelling — and write down what actually happened.

What was the first time you realised we were going to be proper friends?