I was asked for an interview.

And I obliged.

In my life as a freelance writer, I have only ever hosted the interview. It’s not my favorite part. I always feel like I’m hounding people to give me their time. I even feel a little desperate, because without their interview, I don’t have a feature to write. Then when they do complete the interview, I am so grateful.

So recently I was contacted after writing an article about the 2007-2009 recession. Another writer wanted to interview me for a story that she was writing. I felt like I was karmically obliged to agree. I was kind of dreading it out of sheer social awkwardness, but I have to say… I loved it. All I had to do was talk about myself, which I basically already do for a living. Not only was it cathartic, I knew how it felt to be on the other end of the interview, so I felt like I was paying it forward in my writing dues.

But here’s the lesson I learned: I should never feel bad for asking someone for an interview. It felt amazing to be interviewed. I mean, it was better than therapy you have to pay for. So really, if someone doesn’t want to be interviewed… so be it. Going on the other side of the interview helped me shed that guilt of inconveniencing someone.

Here’s a lovely feature I got to write about a business I was happy to support - they’re making healthy treats, educating their community, and giving back with every sale. And, they’re in one of my favorite places on earth: St. Augustine.

Write on,

Ashley