The Game

We can look at human interaction as a sport in which we all engage. Each of us gets to put on a mask, and depending on the situation, we enact a set of back and forth behaviours which provide a structure for relating to another human being. And just like in sport, there are rules and expectations. For example, how we structure formal emails, how we greet each other and the topics we avoid discussing.

The position of the person will affect how we interact with them. How we treat our doctor, for example, is unique. We speak carefully, and we look up to them for answers, as we would an oracle. The plaque on the door determines the rules of engagement. In turn, the doctor is expected to behave professionally and provide us with a service. I...