I will start by saying that my pencil is beginning to have a good relationship with my sketchbook paper despite how soft it is.
I shade with the side of the pencil and draw darker lines with the tip and this allows the pencil to remain sharp.
I also approach my shading gently and lightly and each shade gives me some sense of fulfillment.
This particular sketch is my favorite so far but I can't really say why, I just know that it looks elegant, simple and fine. I also like the careful outlines.