Catharsis
To my new friend, Laura. I've read enough to know that for whatever reason, when humans aren't face to face, there's some element of anonymity that causes people to veer toward greater disclosure. Try it with your kid! After a day of battling over house rule violations, computer time, or why they can't just bring down their dirty laundry, just lay side by side 30 minutes before lights-out. Suddenly, you learn about how their day really went, hopes and fears, and simple, enjoyable conversation. I experienced a stunning version of this recently on a weekend trail run. I was in the back seat of my car (with the passenger seat jammed all the way forward, it's a spacious changing room) switching into my trail shoes when I felt someone looking at me from the parking lot. She just stood there, patiently. While a little strange, I figured she was going to tell me my tire was going flat or something as I exited the car. "Nice shirt." Huh? "Nice shi