Alan Alda’s 7 questions

No, he didn’t ask me himself (I wish!) If he had, you’d have heard my excitement clear across the Atlantic 😀

I learned about these questions via Ally, but it was a while back and I don’t have a link to the relevant blog post (apologies for the bad blog etiquette) 😉

What do you wish you really understood?
Physics. So much of how the world works is explained by physics and I have absolutely zero understanding of it. Maths too is largely a mystery to me. I can do arithmetic, but algebra or geometry… nope. I wish I’d had a good teacher, instead I had one who just made sure I learned enough to pass my exams rather than understand the subject. And there’s was also that 2 year period when our education was patchy at best due to riots ‘n civil war. I did seriously consider taking a course as a mature student, but I’ve got so much going on already.

What’s the strangest question anyone has ever asked you?
I can’t recall the exact question, but many years ago the wife of one of my employer’s directors asked me some intrusive and personal questions relating to my being a single parent. I wasn’t ashamed of being one, so I answered. But with the understanding I now have of boundaries, I’d have politely (‘cos I wanted to keep my job) told her it was a personal matter and not for discussion with anyone other than those close to me.

How do you stop a compulsive talker?
You walk away from them/leave the room. I’ve found no other foolproof method.

Is there anyone you just can’t feel empathy for?
People who mis-use their power. To the extent that I enjoy it if they get their come-uppance, and have no guilt at all that I don’t feel any sympathy or empathy for them. I do re-consider when mental health is involved, but there are times when even that doesn’t hold water, as I’m suspicious that they’re just “playing the card” in order to gain sympathy, or to get away with whatever it is they’ve done.

How do you like to deliver bad news? In person, on the phone, or by carrier pigeon?
Depends who it is. In person if there’s a genuine relationship (of any type), on the phone otherwise. I’ve had to send bad news by email and text, and I’ve agonised over those messages way more than if I was able to speak in person or on the phone. Also, I guess, it depends on the nature of the bad news. For example, I’d make the effort to speak in person, if it was something where the other person needed support and I wanted to check they had that available to them.

What, if anything, would make you end a friendship?
I’ve chosen to end only few friendships. In broad terms, I’ve made that choice because of a clash in values, where the relationship wasn’t healthy for me, where it was transparently one way, or where they’ve presumed to take advantage of my financial generosity.

If you’d like to share your answer to any of the questions – I’d LOVE to read it. If you decide to do this for yourself – have fun!

© Debra Carey, 2023