One of my favorite fellow bloggers, Hallie, posted about a recent NY Times article that claims by answering 36 personal questions, two strangers can foster a sense of closeness and mutual vulnerability that leads to trust and, eventually, falling in love. The article is based on psychologist Arthur Aron’s laboratory study that turned out to be successful in more cases than one.
Hallie then challenged fellow bloggers to answer some of these questions themselves (in relation to readers), so I’m jumping on the bandwagon and doing just that. If you’re so inclined to answer some of these yourselves, I’d love to know!
Let’s get introspective, shall we?
Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest? This is going to sound slightly cliche, but Beyonce. I like to be reminded that I have the same number of hours in a day as some incredibly talented people, and it inspires me to work harder for the things I want.
For what in your life do you feel most grateful? Support. The past few years have brought about some awesome things and some not-so-awesome things, but the main thread through them all has been the level of support from family and friends.
If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be? The ability to be constantly inspired. It’s something I don’t feel every day, but when I do, hot damn, watch out. It makes me feel invincible.
Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it? There are a few things on my “life goals” list (yes, I have one) that I haven’t yet gotten to and I’m not sure I ever will. I guess it’s just laziness on my part, though one dinner with Beyonce could probably change that.
What do you value most in a friendship? Honesty. I’ve known one of my closest friends since third grade, and I think the reason our friendship works so well – and survived living in the same bedroom for three years in college – is because we are honest with each other. Yes, we will have times when we gripe to someone else about something having to do with the other, but for the most part, I feel like I’ve always been able to say to her, “I’m mad and this is why.”
Complete this sentence: “I wish I had someone with whom I could share …” my exact thought process. When I’m deciding to take something on or trying to figure out what decision to make, sometimes it’s hard for me to verbalize what I’m actually thinking. If only someone knew exactly what I was thinking, then we could work it out together.
Tell your partner readers something that you like about them already. You’re here 🙂
If you were going to become a close friend with your partner readers, please share what would be important for him or her to know. Don’t try to make me do something I don’t want to, because my stubborn side will come out.
When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself? I cry in front of T every so often, and it’s usually about something related to wishing he could know exactly what I was thinking while trying to work out a problem. I last cried by myself the other night when Sprout wouldn’t get along with our foster dog, Annie, and I felt like a terrible person for bringing her into a home with a grumpy dog. I had to remind myself that my home, even with Gumpy McGrumperson, is a far better place to be than in a concrete-floored pen somewhere.
If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why? Probably. Sometimes I put things off just because I can, and if I knew that I only had one year left, I would try to finish everything I wanted to within the year to leave my mark before I was gone. Wouldn’t you?
Yes, girl! I love it and am so glad you took the challenge. I particularly love your answer to the "complete this sentence…" How true!
Hope you're having a great week. xxx
Love this idea! (Great answers too!) I completely agree with support being something to be so grateful for. Seriously, it's necessary to have the support of someone who believe in you!
If only someone else could help me make decisions!
Have a great one!
Having someone to back you up is so important!