Hi, NSQ listeners.

If you've been following us for a while, you know that Stephen Dubner used to co-host the show.

We're off this week, so we thought you might enjoy this classic episode in which he and Angela discuss parisocial relationships.

We'll be back next week with a brand new episode featuring Mike and Angela.

But first, here's a message from Stephen.

Hey there, it's Stephen Dubner from Freakonomics Radio, and I am busting into this No Stupid

Questions episode to tell you about two upcoming Freakonomics Radio, and I am busting into this No Stupid Questions episode

to tell you about two upcoming Freakonomics Radio live shows in San Francisco on January 3rd

and in Los Angeles on February 13th. For tickets, go to Freakonomics.com slash live shows, one word.

I am told that tickets are going fast, so you might

want to do this soon. Again, that is Freakonomics.com slash live shows, January 3rd in San Francisco,

February 13th in L.A. I'll be there, and I hope you will too. Thanks.

You know me, Stephen. I'm like, let's hug. Let's take a selfie.

I'm Angela Duckworth. I'm Stephen Dubner. And you're listening to No Stupid Questions.

Today on the show, what does it mean to be friends with someone who has no idea that you exist?

Instead of having a conversation with an actual friend, I'll just listen to Stephen and Angela have a conversation with each other.

Angela. Angela, a listener named Caitlin writes to say that the highlight of her day is listening to this podcast on her walks.

She writes, it feels like hanging out with close friends.

Oh, I was going to ask for your response.

Your response was, aw, that's the opposite of my response, but okay.

Yours is, ew.

No, Caitlin, just so you know, aw.

...