The Friendship Now

Answer side by side

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

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 current job description: counsel, calibration, company, perspective, the only honest opinion in your life.

And once you’ve both answered

Has the role changed without either of us renegotiating 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 Friendship Now

What do we have together that you don't have with anyone else?

How does this friendship fit into the life you actually have now?

How are you, actually? Not the version you give at the door.