A man and his “dog” enjoy a time-honored relationship in which both parties accept each other’s flaws and peculiarities. The gentleman portrayed here might assert that his waistcoat is properly buttoned, each sock is in place, and the items in his pocket are delicious doggie treats for his canine companion, yet his “pet” would never quibble. Indeed, this “dog” could easily break the tie that binds him to his master—the leash is far from strong—but he chooses to remain by his side.

Our “Professor of Imagination,” James C. Christensen, advises us to assess our relationships without getting bogged down in details. “I think we can be happy with our perceptions of ourselves if we can honestly say, ‘Nothing I’m doing is importantly wrong..." and if we can say the same of our friends.