What We Taught Each Other

Answer side by side

What has this friendship taught you about friendship itself?

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 thing you now expect — or refuse to accept — in every other friendship because of this one.

And once you’ve both answered

Has the standard ruined anyone else's chances?

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 quietly stolen from the way I parent, work or love?

What's the worst advice I ever gave you? Log it lovingly, for posterity.

What have you changed your mind about over the years — partly because of me?