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Here's a braided essay about answering the "favorite" question. Below are a few excerpts, but please go to https://itslikethis.substack.com/p/favorites for the full transcript.
Thanks for being here, for reading and/or listening!
--
My son often assigns colors to people.
These labels can change, and we are not sure what they mean, but he always has a response if you ask, “What color is Mommy?”
...
A few months back, actor Joaquin Phoenix took the “Colbert Questionnaire” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a silly but sometimes revealing segment in which Colbert aims to get to know his guests on a “deeper” level. The questions range from naming their favorite sandwich to sharing their beliefs on “what happens when we die.”
Phoenix fretted so much on almost every question that the interview ran long. They had to shorten it for the broadcast and move the full 20-minute segment to YouTube.
Despite being assured that “there are no wrong answers,” Phoenix is charmingly indecisive, asking for clarifications before he’ll commit to any choice.
When Colbert throws him an “easy” one—Apples or Oranges?—Phoenix needs know who is eating the fruit he doesn’t pick.
“I like both,” he says. “I want you to be happy. Why not have half of each?”
...
For years, my son has said his favorite color is green.
Maybe it is. I think he likes the color green. But I’ve long held the suspicion that—when asked to give a quick response to a therapist during a speech therapy or ABA session—“green” was the first color his brain could access. He was rewarded for giving that answer and, from then on, “green” was the right response to that question.
...
My son’s “favorite” food fluctuates depending on what he’s hoping to eat right now.
If you ask, he’ll tell you it’s a burger or pizza or even brocolli, in the right context. But be aware—he’s expecting you to deliver that favorite pretty quickly.
...
Maybe my son has favorites or maybe he doesn’t. Maybe his answer would depend on the object in question or who he’s with or what day it is or if it’s raining. Maybe he wants to ask some clarifying questions.
...
If what you see or hold in your hand—in this present moment—is your “favorite”?
Wouldn’t that be a contented way to live?
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itslikethis.substack.com
View all episodes
By Robin LaVoieHere's a braided essay about answering the "favorite" question. Below are a few excerpts, but please go to https://itslikethis.substack.com/p/favorites for the full transcript.
Thanks for being here, for reading and/or listening!
--
My son often assigns colors to people.
These labels can change, and we are not sure what they mean, but he always has a response if you ask, “What color is Mommy?”
...
A few months back, actor Joaquin Phoenix took the “Colbert Questionnaire” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a silly but sometimes revealing segment in which Colbert aims to get to know his guests on a “deeper” level. The questions range from naming their favorite sandwich to sharing their beliefs on “what happens when we die.”
Phoenix fretted so much on almost every question that the interview ran long. They had to shorten it for the broadcast and move the full 20-minute segment to YouTube.
Despite being assured that “there are no wrong answers,” Phoenix is charmingly indecisive, asking for clarifications before he’ll commit to any choice.
When Colbert throws him an “easy” one—Apples or Oranges?—Phoenix needs know who is eating the fruit he doesn’t pick.
“I like both,” he says. “I want you to be happy. Why not have half of each?”
...
For years, my son has said his favorite color is green.
Maybe it is. I think he likes the color green. But I’ve long held the suspicion that—when asked to give a quick response to a therapist during a speech therapy or ABA session—“green” was the first color his brain could access. He was rewarded for giving that answer and, from then on, “green” was the right response to that question.
...
My son’s “favorite” food fluctuates depending on what he’s hoping to eat right now.
If you ask, he’ll tell you it’s a burger or pizza or even brocolli, in the right context. But be aware—he’s expecting you to deliver that favorite pretty quickly.
...
Maybe my son has favorites or maybe he doesn’t. Maybe his answer would depend on the object in question or who he’s with or what day it is or if it’s raining. Maybe he wants to ask some clarifying questions.
...
If what you see or hold in your hand—in this present moment—is your “favorite”?
Wouldn’t that be a contented way to live?
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itslikethis.substack.com