The Friendship Now

Answer side by side

How has the friendship recalibrated as life sped up — and has the current setting got it right?

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

Less time, deeper trust? Fewer meetings, better ones? Name the trade we've made.

And once you’ve both answered

What's one adjustment you'd make to the dial?

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 Friendship Now

What kind of good news would you ring me about first — before nearly anyone?

When was the last time you thought of me and smiled for no particular reason?

Write the state of us — one honest paragraph on who we are to each other, today.