I've come to realise that the most intimate and fulfilling relationships are those based on sharing rather than listening. So with that in mind I've decided to share something of myself and also hope to learn something of you. So I've got three questions for you and also for me:

1. What's the hardest thing about being you?

2. What's the easiest/best thing about being you?
- Now I'm not really interested in false modesty here so just say whatever comes into your head.

3. What's the thought that spends more than its fair share of time in your head?

I think the hardest thing about being me is balancing the internal and external worlds; balancing internal and external expectations and reconciling my internal idealism with the world's realism. Especially with relation to issues such as identity and authenticity.

The easiest thing I think would be that I can relate to people without trying. I tend to get along with people without noticing and can then start to deepen the relationship before I very quickly run out of small talk.

The thought that occupies most of my day is simply "what does that mean?" I ask it of almost every other thought I have and action I do. You can even ask it of itself. It's so convenient and versatile you can use it in any situation, about anything. There are many times, however, when I block out this question. I think I almost always block it out in my dealings with other people these days. I used to analyse people all the time but I don't think it's very conducive to good relationships and besides that, I have enough trouble working myself out. It is always fun though to watch, and try to work out, a couple on the train or a group in the city or a parent and child though. I think I've learned though that my insights are so inadequate that I can only pick out the blatantly obvious parts of a person and that doesn't do anyone justice. So I think it's officially moved into the pastime category rather than as a prime navigation tool.

So yeah, that's my part. Now I'm interested to hear about you.