I listen to a lot of podcasts. While doing the dishes, folding the laundry, mowing the lawn, walking or driving, podcasts are my go-to for education, entertainment, and connection when I’m alone.

I also read books, watch videos, and take courses. I enjoy these experiences until, just like the tail end of a meal, I am done. I don’t want any more.

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A friend is starring in a play that relates to a controversial issue.

So controversial that the actors in the play are fearful for their safety. They’re asking for security measures to be put in place to ensure that they are not risking their lives by getting onstage.

The producers of the play are wringing their hands. Apparently, they can’t afford the cost of the increased security.

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Awhile back, the parent of a student at my school learned some concerning information about another student.

She had this information because her daughter had shared it with her. She sat on it for weeks, hoping that another parent would come forward with it so that she wouldn’t have to.

Eventually, this parent, Amy, got in touch to pass this information along to me. But why was Amy contacting me and not the parent of the other student?

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When you think about it, strangers should have the most to talk about. 

They know nothing about each other. Theoretically, everything they say to each other should be new and fresh. 

But because they don’t know each other, there are no entry points to the conversation. There are no questions, and therefore no answers. They stand together at the bus stop In silence and boredom, stamping their feet in the cold.

Their curiosity unstimulated, they go their separate ways without knowing anything more about each other.

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It was the last day of school. It had been a bittersweet morning full of summer sunshine and goodbyes.

One of the last remaining students began to cry. “It’s over!” she wailed to her mother. “I don’t want it to be over!”

“It’s okay, honey,” her mom said. “You can have sleepovers with Emma and Sarah — you’ll see your friends! You’re going to camp! Remember how excited you were about that? And we’ll be back here again in just a couple of months!”

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