Title basically, and if so, what makes / has made someone your favorite?
Also, how does this actually play out in practice? Do you find yourself giving more mentorship, better/more interesting work, more tolerance for mistakes… or is it basically pie eating contest analogy?
Asking as someone who is a probably a neutral presence in the associate rankings, and wondering what I might be missing out on (if it's more pie, that's fine).
EDIT: Was not trying to use "playing favorites" as derogatory / pejorative or cast any view on it. I was more curious whether you could feel yourself doing it and what the dynamic is like (and like I said in comments, trying to figure out a rapport with someone). Please continue to favorite away!