What We Taught Each Other

Answer side by side

What is one thing you have learned from me — not the big life lesson, the small, specific one — that you still use or think about?

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

A phrase I used, a way I handled something, a standard I held that rubbed off.

And once you’ve both answered

Have I ever told you what I learned from you in return?

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

Which of my phrases has colonised your vocabulary?

What quality in me do you think I still underestimate?

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