A comic writer who mentions their love for Sam Irby and Fran Liebowitz in the same sentence has my eternal respect! Extra admiration for liking cats. As a self conscious person myself, I don’t necessarily think that social awareness is a flaw. To me it just shows sensitivity and a cautious, curious nature (much preferred to a loud bull in a glass cabinet, oblivious to their environment and fellow living beings.) odd question about rudeness: if someone is rude (like the guy blaring his horn), is responding with rudeness justified or acceptable (ie saying stfu)? I’m asking for a friend, and bc I’m guilty of saying stfu to assholes. Anyhow I adored reading this hilarious and thoughtful interview! Cats have curious nature, which makes them very special creatures. Whoever doesn’t read Carlos is car-losing out!
Thanks, Jessica! That’s a lovely way of thinking about self-consciousness in a positive light. I am going to put that mentality into practice from now on so thank you for that!
I think it’s good to call out rude behavior, but I regret telling that guy to stfu. Mostly because it almost caused a fight, which is not the ideal outcome, but also because I could’ve responded more gracefully. More like Fred Rogers. But I’m not there yet, not even close.
Ditto what Jessica W said! I feel the exact same way! Fran, Sam, and cats are my faves! Just loved this questionnaire—hope you do more. My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer! Great stuff! Oh, and you had me looking up Simon Rich. He’s now on my want-to-read list!
A comic writer who mentions their love for Sam Irby and Fran Liebowitz in the same sentence has my eternal respect! Extra admiration for liking cats. As a self conscious person myself, I don’t necessarily think that social awareness is a flaw. To me it just shows sensitivity and a cautious, curious nature (much preferred to a loud bull in a glass cabinet, oblivious to their environment and fellow living beings.) odd question about rudeness: if someone is rude (like the guy blaring his horn), is responding with rudeness justified or acceptable (ie saying stfu)? I’m asking for a friend, and bc I’m guilty of saying stfu to assholes. Anyhow I adored reading this hilarious and thoughtful interview! Cats have curious nature, which makes them very special creatures. Whoever doesn’t read Carlos is car-losing out!
Thanks, Jessica! That’s a lovely way of thinking about self-consciousness in a positive light. I am going to put that mentality into practice from now on so thank you for that!
I think it’s good to call out rude behavior, but I regret telling that guy to stfu. Mostly because it almost caused a fight, which is not the ideal outcome, but also because I could’ve responded more gracefully. More like Fred Rogers. But I’m not there yet, not even close.
Remy you must keep doing this. It's GOLD.
Ditto what Jessica W said! I feel the exact same way! Fran, Sam, and cats are my faves! Just loved this questionnaire—hope you do more. My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer! Great stuff! Oh, and you had me looking up Simon Rich. He’s now on my want-to-read list!
Thanks, Debbie! Definitely check out Simon Rich. His books are great, and he also created the series Miracle Workers which is really funny.
I've been a fan of Carlos since I joined Substack and really enjoyed this questionannaire.
Jimmy Carter is underrated.
Nice to know you feel self-conscious even though your writing is strong and funny!
The world is definitely not just good and evil!
And, I too would like to die the way you mentioned.
Thanks, Istiaq!