Student Writing Prompt – “Trying Too Hard”

Especially in social situations, you sometimes hear that someone was “trying too hard” to be liked. Isn’t trying hard a good thing? What makes it bad? Include examples from real life (your own or someone you know; no names necessary) as well as from the literature we’ve studied in class.
I think the concept of “trying too hard” to be liked relates to consent. When someone is pursuing a relationship — mostly we think of it in terms of a romantic relationship, but it could equally apply to a friendship or a professional partnership — and that person is given negative feedback, if they ignore that feedback, that’s what comes across as “trying too hard.”

Student Writing Prompt – “Individual/Connection”

Which is more important — to be an individual, or to be close to others? Why?

Obviously, both of these choices are important. In class, we talk about the benefits and drawbacks to both individuality and connectedness.