This Is a Sign It’s Time to Let Go of That Toxic Friend
October interview questions with The Brain is a Noodle
These questions were created by Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她) for the writers of the Medium publication The Brain is a Noodle.
[1] Does writing energize or exhaust you?
It’s definitely both. Freewriting, letting the words flow in an inhibited manner from my mind to my fingers to the page, is energizing. Editing, on the other hand, can be exhausting.
When I edit, I feel the pressures of following the writing “rules”, going with what the general public thinks “good” writing is, and following how I’ve been taught to write in school.
I know those rules of “good” writing are mostly BS, because writing is an art and art is subjective, but the elitist pressures of being a “good” writer get to me sometimes. I’m working on it.
[2] What is one food that represents the country you are currently in?
I’m not the biggest fan of foods that represent American culture. But, one food that’s always had my heart is french fries, specifically McDonald’s french fries. I have no idea what’s in them. But, every time I have them they taste incredible.
Whether fresh from the frier or cold, they’re excellent. Now, I get my fry fix by cutting my potatoes by hand, seasoning them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cooking them in the air fryer. They’re healthier, but not as good — obviously.
[3] What type of friend would you like to be?
I try to be the friend that’s anti-drama. Getting older, I’ve learned that are a good amount of people that like to start conflicts just because. There’s no logical reason for it. They’re just bored.
Friendships shouldn’t be a constant cycle of pettiness and drama; we’re not on Love and Hip Hop or Basketball Wives. I used to think that behavior is normal, because it happened so much. But, it’s not. Now, I’m focused on cultivating friendships that are rooted in genuine love and respect for each other.
[4] What have you given up on?
Soda. I used to drink a ton of fruit-flavored sodas as a kid. But, they’ve never made me feel the best — too many bubbles. I went on a weight loss journey a few years ago and cut it out of my diet.
It wasn’t as hard as I thought it’d be, because I’ve never been the biggest fan of it. I drank it because it was in the fridge, just because.
I may have given up soda. But, juice, its non-carbonated cousin, is a whole another story.
[5] What is one thing you’re committed to learning more about?
Spirituality. I’ve only graced the surface of things like meditation and manifestation, but I want to learn more about it.
If anyone has any recommendations, books, podcasts, YouTube videos, whatever, I’d appreciate it.
Faves?
- Favourite soup? Pho is absolutely incredible. A friend introduced me to pho a few years ago and I’ve been obsessed since.
- Favourite stationery item? Probably computer paper. It reminds me of my college days when I’d frantically print a paper just before class, then feel that ooze of relief whenever I felt those warm, fresh-from-the-printer pages against my skin. Good times.
- Favourite novelist? I don’t have a favorite author. But, my favorite book I’ve read recently is Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train. I admired the writing in it.
- Favourite blue item? My Gloria Vanderbilt jeans. Finding jeans that fit my body has been a long struggle, but I think I’ve found a pair that’ll last the long haul.
- Favourite unhealthy beverage? Minute Maid’s Berry Punch. It’s basically pure sugar but it tastes so good.
Articles to share
- Your top piece last month
(The comments section is wild. Lots of gaslighting. So, beware, especially people of color.)
- A piece that deserves more love
- A piece that’s fewer than 3 minutes
- A longform piece
- A poem
Thanks a billion to Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她) for the great interview questions! Interested in writing your own response? Wonderful! Check out the blank template here:
Nia Simone McLeod writes, creates digital content, and watches a ton of Flavor of Love reruns. Her Medium publications, oh, write and coiled, are super lit. Check out her newsletter for her scorching hot takes on writing, pop culture, and other super cool stuff.
