What We Taught Each Other

Answer side by side

Which of my phrases has colonised your vocabulary?

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 word, the catchphrase, the way of putting things you caught off me like a cold.

And once you’ve both answered

Do people in the rest of your life say it now too? Admit the spread.

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 quality in me do you think I still underestimate?

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

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