From Gregory Stock’s The Book of Questions: Does the fact that you’ve never done something before increase or decrease its appeal to you?

Now, I know some of you out there are the type to jump headfirst into any new experience, no matter how wild or unfamiliar it may be. You’re the ones who see a “Danger: Do Not Enter” sign and think, “Challenge accepted!” I admire your bravery, even if I question your self-preservation instincts.

On the other hand, there are those of you who prefer to stick to the tried and true, never straying too far from your comfort zone. You’re the ones who hear about a new restaurant in town and think, “But what if their forks are too heavy? I’ll just stay home and eat my usual microwaved dinner, thank you very much.” I get it, change can be scary.

Personally, I find myself somewhere in the middle. The idea of trying something new is always a bit daunting at first, but once I muster up the courage to take that leap, I’m usually glad I did. Sure, there have been a few missteps along the way (I’m looking at you, speed dating incident of 2016), but overall, I’ve found that new experiences have a way of enriching my life in ways I never could have imagined.

Take, for example, the time I decided to learn how to juggle. I had never been particularly coordinated, and the thought of keeping three objects in the air at once seemed about as likely as me winning an Olympic gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics. But I persevered, and after a few weeks of practice (and more than a few bruised toes), I was able to juggle like a pro. Well, maybe not a pro, but at least like a moderately talented amateur.

The point is that trying something new can be incredibly rewarding, even if it’s a bit intimidating at first. It’s a chance to learn new skills, meet new people, and discover hidden talents you never knew you had. Plus, think of all the great stories you’ll have to tell at parties! “Oh, you went to Maui for vacation? That’s nice. I once went bungee jumping with a group of circus performers in Budapest.” Instant conversation starter.

Of course, there’s always the risk that you won’t enjoy the new experience, or that you’ll make a complete fool of yourself in the process. But isn’t that part of the fun? Life is too short to play it safe all the time. Sometimes, you just have to take a deep breath, close your eyes, and leap into the unknown.

So, dear readers, I turn the question over to you: does the fact that you’ve never done something before increase or decrease its appeal to you? Are you the type to seek out new experiences at every turn, or do you prefer to stick to what you know? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s compare notes on our adventures into the great unknown. Just promise me you won’t judge too harshly if I decide to take up competitive yodeling next.