The Friendship Now

Answer side by side

What do I seem to be carrying at the moment, from where you stand?

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

You see things I don't say. Say what you see.

And once you’ve both answered

How close did the other page get? Talk about the gap.

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

When did you last cry laughing because of me — actual tears?

What do you lean on me for now — as opposed to what it used to be?

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