What We Taught Each Other

Answer side by side

How have I changed your taste — for better or worse?

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 music, the food, the books, the programmes you'd never have touched. Include the crimes: things I got you into that you can't get out of.

And once you’ve both answered

What do you owe me — and what do I owe you an apology for?

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 What We Taught Each Other

What have you learned from watching me go through something hard — without me ever meaning to teach it?

What standard of mine has rubbed off on you?

In what way are you braver, calmer or kinder because of me? Pick one, and prove it.