The Book Of Questions

As a journalist it has been my job for years to ask questions. Boring ones, stupid ones, intimate ones, delicate ones. Mostly to strangers, but since curiosity is my second name I sometimes also prompt friends or relatives with questions they might not want to hear.

Now that I'm about to leave for New Zealand to start a new adventure a friend of mine got me a farewell present - "THE BOOK OF QUESTIONS". Here is what the back says:

Ask yourself! Ask your friends. Ask your parents. Ask someone you hardly know. THE BOOK OF QUESTIONS gives you permission to ask those things that are too bold, too embarassing, or just too difficult to ask by yourself. You will find questions of integrity; of sex; of what you would do for money; even things too personal to talk about out loud. Whether you use it as a tool for self-discovery or as a provocative way to stimulate conversation, this book constantly challenges attitudes, morals, beliefs - and it challenges you.

Sounds like the perfect gift for me! The author is Gregory Strock, a biophysicist, best-selling author, biotech entrepreneur and more. He's written many different "Books of Question" - one for kids, a special one on love and sex, ... he's a "New York Times" bestseller author.

Anyway... the book I got contains 217 "main" questions plus another 200 extra ones. So there would be a different question every single day for more than a year. I had a look at the first one today which is:

For a person you loved deeply, would you be willing to move to a distant country knowing there would be little chance of seeing your friends or family again?

Kind of funny this being the first question thinking that I'm leaving my home, my family and my friends in a little more than a week not knowing exactly when I will see them again. So what would I answer to this one?

I think the answer would be a yes. I don't think there is a whole lot I wouldn't do for love. Humans are not meant to be alone and once you have found your "soulmate" why let him/her go? Of course there is always a risk. What if it doesn't work out? Well - then you always have the option of going back home. Or maybe you'll find someone else?

You will definitely find new friends - and just because you leave your old ones doesn't mean you'll never talk to them or see them again. Nowadays it's not too hard to stay in touch - you have email, phone, Skype, Facebook and many other ways of communication. Not to forget the traditional letter. And even though flight tickets to the other end of the world can be very pricy - if you really want to see someone again there shouldn't be a problem of saving some money and maybe after a few years have that big reunion.

So I would definitely answer this question with a yes. How about you? I'd like to know your thoughts and feelings on this...