Preliminary Questions
1. Where do you live?
Denver, CO
2. Are you crazy?
3. Do you want more friends?
Open Questions
1. Why are you filling out this questionnaire?
I discovered this through a friend who shared it on social media. The concept of applying to be someone's friend is both hilarious and brilliant. In a world where making adult friends feels impossible, this direct approach is refreshing. Most friend-making happens through work, hobbies, or dating apps repurposed awkwardly for friendship. This questionnaire cuts through the small talk and gets to the real questions about compatibility and values. I appreciate that it's thoughtful rather than just "swipe right for friendship." Plus, the questions are genuinely interesting and made me reflect on what I actually want in friendships.
2. How many "close friends" (by close friends I mean people that you see more than twice a month if they live in the tri-state area or if they are a long-distance friend that you speak with at least twice a month) do you have?
I have about 3-4 people I'd consider truly close friends. Two live nearby and we hang out regularly - grabbing dinner, hiking, going to shows. One is long-distance from college, and we video chat every few weeks and visit each other a couple times a year. There's also my work friend who's become really close over the past two years. I've learned I prefer quality over quantity when it comes to friendships. I used to try to maintain tons of casual friendships but it felt exhausting and superficial.
3. It's Saturday morning! What time are you up and what do you want to do with the day?
I'm usually up by 8:30am on Saturdays, even without an alarm - my internal clock is pretty consistent. I love starting the day slowly with coffee and catching up on podcasts or reading. Then I might hit the farmers market if it's nice out, or explore a new neighborhood on foot. I'm always looking for good brunch spots or bookstores. If the weather's good, I'll try to get outside - maybe a hike in the foothills or bike ride along the river. Evening might be trying a new restaurant or seeing live music if there's something good happening.
4. Do you like to go to any kind of cultural experiences? What kind and how often?
I try to do something cultural at least once or twice a month. I love art museums - there's something about seeing original works that photos can't capture. I go to a lot of indie concerts and small venue shows. Theater less often but when I do, I really enjoy it. I also love film festivals and documentary screenings. Living in Denver, there are great galleries in the art district and the music scene is fantastic. I think engaging with art and culture keeps me curious and inspired, plus it's fun to discuss afterward with friends.
5. How do you feel about Amy Winehouse?
Amy Winehouse was incredibly talented but also tragic. Her voice was so raw and powerful - you could hear real pain and authenticity in every note. Songs like "Rehab" and "Back to Black" are masterpieces. But her story also shows how the music industry and public can exploit someone struggling with addiction and mental health. She died so young and it feels like we lost decades of potential music. I think she paved the way for artists like Adele to be more emotionally honest in their work.
6. "Uh oh! I'm experiencing a negative emotion"; what happens inside you? How do you deal with it?
When negative emotions hit, I usually need to step back and process before reacting. If I'm angry or frustrated, I might go for a run or call a friend to vent. For sadness or anxiety, I prefer quieter processing - journaling, long walks, or just sitting with the feeling rather than trying to immediately fix it. I've learned that emotions usually have something to teach me if I listen. Sometimes I need alone time, sometimes I need connection. Therapy has helped me develop better emotional awareness and coping strategies.
7. How do you feel about school and teachers?
School was a mixed experience for me. I loved learning but hated the rigid structure and standardized testing focus. I had some teachers who were genuinely inspiring and made me curious about the world. Others just seemed burned out by the system. I think education is crucial but our approach needs major reform. Teachers should be paid way more and have more autonomy to actually teach creatively. The best learning happens when students are engaged and can pursue their interests, not when they're forced to memorize for tests.
8. What is the most meaningful way to spend time?
The most meaningful time is spent in genuine connection with others - having real conversations where you learn something new about someone or feel truly understood. Also time spent creating something, whether that's art, writing, cooking, or building something with your hands. Being in nature feels meaningful to me too, especially when I can be fully present rather than thinking about work or scrolling my phone. Basically any time when I feel fully engaged and not just going through the motions.
9. What is your favorite law (if you do not have a favorite, what is one that you think of positively)?
I really appreciate the Americans with Disabilities Act. It's not perfect and enforcement could be better, but it represents a shift toward recognizing that accessibility benefits everyone, not just people with disabilities. It's also a good example of how laws can change cultural attitudes over time. Before the ADA, many people didn't think about accessibility at all. Now curb cuts, ramps, and accessible bathrooms are standard, and we're more aware of barriers that exclude people.
10. What app on your phone (other than essentials) is your most used app?
Probably Spotify, which I use for hours every day. Music is constantly playing in my life - while working, cooking, commuting, working out. I love discovering new artists through their algorithms and playlists. I also use it to make playlists for different moods or activities. Close second would be Instagram, which I use too much but enjoy for following artists, musicians, and friends. I try to limit mindless scrolling but I do like staying connected to what people are up to.
11. What are you hoping to get from filling this out?
I hope to meet someone who shares similar interests and values, and maybe develop a genuine friendship. The questions here suggest someone thoughtful who's interested in real connection rather than surface-level hanging out. It would be great to find someone to explore the city with, try new restaurants, go to shows, or just have those long conversations that make you lose track of time. I'm not looking for someone exactly like me, but someone who challenges me in good ways and who I can be authentic around.
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. If you had to choose one word to describe yourself, which one would you choose:
2. The worst month is:
3. Do you live to eat or eat to live?
4. How do you feel about August: Osage County:
5. How often do you speak about your love life with your friends?
6. Your biggest fear about getting older is:
7. Dogs wearing clothes are:
8. People who don't tip well:
9. Distance in relationships:
10. The best way to end a text conversation is:
11. The phrase "it is what it is" is:
12. When someone consistently disappoints you, you:
13. How do you feel about answering all these questions:
14. If we met in person, what would you want to talk about first:
Essay Question
Please describe a friend breakup you have gone through. If you haven't gone through a friend breakup, please explain why you think you have never gone through a friend breakup. Outline a major friendship in your life and explain why it is successful.
I haven't experienced a dramatic friend "breakup" in the traditional sense, but I have had friendships gradually fade or end due to growing apart. The closest thing was with my college roommate Jake during our senior year. We had been really close for three years, but during senior year he became increasingly focused on networking and career advancement in ways that felt superficial to me. He started name-dropping constantly and would bail on our friend group to attend professional events. The final straw was when he asked me to introduce him to my dad (who works in his desired industry) within five minutes of meeting my parents at graduation. I felt like he was using our friendship as a networking opportunity. We had an awkward conversation about it, and while we didn't have a big fight, things were never the same. We barely talk now.
In contrast, my friendship with my high school friend Maria has lasted over a decade and continues to grow stronger. What makes it work is that we've both committed to honesty and effort despite living in different cities. We make time for regular video calls, visit each other at least twice a year, and are genuinely interested in each other's lives and growth. We've supported each other through career changes, relationships, family issues, and personal struggles. We can go months without talking and pick up right where we left off, but we don't take that for granted - we both actively maintain the connection. Most importantly, we celebrate each other's successes without jealousy and provide support during difficult times without judgment. We've also given each other permission to be honest about when we need space or when something bothers us, which keeps resentment from building up.