The Ordinary Texture

Answer side by side

How do we greet each other — and how do we say goodbye?

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 handshake-hug hybrid, the nod, the two-word exchange that does the work of paragraphs.

And once you’ve both answered

Has it changed over the years? Should 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 Ordinary Texture

Together: write the menu of us.

If someone had to do an impression of me, what would they need?

Which songs are welded to this friendship — and what exactly are they welded to?