Let's Fall In Love

Being vulnerable and self-discovery are two of my favorite activities. So when I came across this article, I knew I had to answer these questions on my blog. The gist of the study is that mutual vulnerability fosters closeness. To quote the study’s authors, “One key pattern associated with the development of a close relationship among peers is sustained, escalating, reciprocal, personal self-disclosure.” Allowing oneself to be vulnerable with another person can be exceedingly difficult, so this exercise forces the issue.

Now I am already pretty "close" to my partner, so let's get closer to each other ... shall we? Feel free to answer any question you like in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.

1. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

• Narendra Modi (Indian Prime Minister) &
• Barack Obama (American President, in case you didn't know!)

2. Would you like to be famous? In what way?

Nope. I cherish my personal space and privacy.

3. Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why?

Nope. Never. Because ... who has the time?

4. What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?

I remember answering this exact question three years back. My answer is mostly still the same. Preferably it is a pleasant sunny day which starts with a good breakfast, sweaty workout, all my chores done, emails answered, phone calls made - latest by mid-day. Followed by online browsing and blog-hop in the afternoon, early dinner, a little bit of television and then I'm in bed by 10pm. Perfect Day!

5. When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else?

I am singing right now. Don't know why I am singing

6. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?

Body! ... because lack of energy scares me. And, I hear, wisdom and experience of which comes with age, is precious.

7. Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?

Yes. Ever since I was a kid, I have this feeling that I will die while crossing the road.

8. Name three things you and your partner appear to have in common.

1. We both hate people in general (Ha! I kid. May be!)
2. We both like same kind of music and movies
3. We both cherish our easy-going-comfortable lifestyle

9. For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

Health & good parents!

10. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

I would have wanted myself to be less self conscious and be able follow my dreams unapologetically.

11. Take four minutes and tell your partner your life story in as much detail as possible.

I have told him my story so many times, in so many versions that I am so sure that he is sick of it by now!

12. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?

Razor sharp focus. If I could just have that single-track-mind (pun not intended) I could achieve everything.

Set II

13. If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?

Do I die happy with the life lived? OR Do I die with regrets?

14. Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?

Learn dance. Lack of disposable income.

15. What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?

Self-reliance & inner-strength.

16. What do you value most in a friendship?

Without sounding like a cliche, I would have to say - Trust.

17. What is your most treasured memory?

All my childhood vacations with my family.

18. What is your most terrible memory?

I don't have any. I view everything as part of the journey.

19. If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?

I would probably buy an around-the-world ticket for myself and my family. I know its just me dying, but I am assuming they would want to spend my last year with me. No?

20. What does friendship mean to you?

When you laugh at things which make no sense to rest of the world, that's friendship!

21. What roles do love and affection play in your life?

Its everything. I cannot function without the two.

22. Alternate sharing something you consider a positive characteristic of your partner. Share a total of five items.

1. His each cell is instilled with joie de vivre.
2. He is supremely understanding.
3. He is a feminist.
4. He is a helpful and kind human being.
5. He is a people's person.

23. How close and warm is your family? Do you feel your childhood was happier than most other people’s?

Very close. Very warm. My childhood was the best part about my life so far. I think it was happier than most people in the world. I count that as a blessing.

24. How do you feel about your relationship with your mother?

We have come such a long way since my teenage. Every year we get closer. Especially, because we both seek wanderlust.

Set III

25. Make three true “we” statements each. For instance, “We are both in this room feeling ... “

1. We are practical
2. We are addicted to each other
3. We share everything with each other

26. Complete this sentence: “I wish I had someone with whom I could share ... “

... my "real thoughts" with!

27. If you were going to become a close friend with your partner, please share what would be important for him or her to know.

I am blunt. I am straight-forward. I don't react on things in an obvious way. I don't like being interrogated.

28. Tell your partner what you like about them; be very honest this time, saying things that you might not say to someone you’ve just met.

We already answer this in #22 - very honestly!

29. Share with your partner an embarrassing moment in your life.

Done. I don't have to share it with y'all!

30. When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself?

I can't think of the last time I cried by myself or in-front of another person.

31. Tell your partner something that you like about them already.

OMG! Like really. Didn't we already answer this in #22

32. What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?

People's shortcomings or weaknesses.

33. If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? Why haven’t you told them yet?

I honestly believe I have told everyone, every thing there is to tell!

34. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?

Passport & Wallet - Everything else is replaceable.

35. Of all the people in your family, whose death would you find most disturbing? Why?

Parents. What do you mean why?

36. Share a personal problem and ask your partner’s advice on how he or she might handle it. Also, ask your partner to reflect back to you how you seem to be feeling about the problem you have chosen.

We were not interested in this question. Way too serious for us happy-go-lucky people!

Ref: NY Times // Corals & Cognacs