I Notice Everything 🤭

You really should be more careful about the things you tell me.

Not just the obvious things, either.

I notice which words get a reaction. When your confidence suddenly disappears. The things you joke about when you're nervous. The little habits you don't think are important. The things you volunteer and then immediately seem to wonder if maybe you shouldn't have given me quite that much information.

I notice when you behave without being reminded.

I notice when you're showing off for my attention.

I notice when someone turns out to be a little more trainable than they originally let on.

And yes, I notice generosity.

I think that's part of why I enjoy control so much. Anyone can give an order. That's the easy part.

It's much more interesting to understand someone.

To figure out what makes you tick. What earns a reaction. What makes you hesitate. What makes you lean in instead of pulling away. What makes you suddenly become very agreeable when you weren't planning on being.

Give me enough time and I'll start connecting dots you didn't even realize you were leaving behind.

And that's where it gets fun.

Because eventually you realize I've been paying attention the entire time.

You realize I might understand you a little better than you expected.

Maybe even worryingly well.

And somehow, despite knowing all of that, you keep giving me more information anyway.

Which is probably the most interesting thing I've noticed yet.

Trouble, really.