What We Taught Each Other

Answer side by side

What standard of mine has rubbed off on you?

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

How I work, how I treat waiters, what I refuse to let slide.

And once you’ve both answered

Where in your life does it show up now?

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

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

What has this friendship taught you about friendship itself?

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