How are you different?, part 2
“How do you make avocado toast?” Nathan asked. We had just finished hiking and I told Nathan I’d make some for brunch. To be honest the question surprised me, because I assumed everybody made...
Author: waldenwest
Dilemma # 1
I was reminded last month that one of the first posts on this blog laid out two dilemmas I am frequently faced with in life: Where should I eat today? Which cake should I...
Why I write Yelp reviews
tldr: Because I value feedback. I’m not proud of it, but I recently wrote a negative Yelp review for an Indian pizza joint I got takeout from. Here’s what happened: I ordered and paid...
Ask better questions, part 1
If I had to break down what it takes to be a good conversationalist, I’d say the 3 components are: Listening Storytelling Asking questions Whilst being a good listener is probably a more important...
How to give advice
When I told my friend Tim that I wanted to write a blog post on this topic, he burst out laughing. “Oh Ted…only you would give advice on how to give advice.” I laughed,...
The Rules of the RSVP, part 4
On Saturday evening I got a call from my friend Divya, who invited me to go on a last minute sailing trip the next day. I was torn because while I really wanted to...
2020 Reflections; 2021 Resolutions
A few weeks ago I came across this prompt via an Instagram post from my church: what are the hidden gifts of 2020? I love thought-provoking questions like this because it gives me the...
How to give good gifts
“I hate gift-giving,” Jim* declared. I laughed, a bit surprised. “Why? Who doesn’t like gifts?” “I mean, I appreciate the thought…but it’s just awkward if it’s not something I like, or the version I...
How you should vote for the California propositions
Having spent most of my life in Bay Area, I had no idea how ridiculous California’s proposition system was until my roommate Cory pointed it out. It never occurred to me to wonder why...
The Liars Among Us
As a general rule, I try to be as honest and authentic as possible in all of my interactions with other people. It bothers me even when I tell white lies, so I avoid...
Ted, thanks for your courage for speaking out your thoughts, especially right after this horrible event. It's been a a…