A Watcher

I watch. I notice the details, I watch everything. I'm the person in the group that is most likely to be quiet and watch. Just watch, and listen. I am an unashamed people watcher, and eavesdropper.

Have I creeped you out yet?

It's not a creepy thing, it really isn't. I just find human behavior fascinating. I think it is interesting the way that people interact, the way they act when they think that no one is watching them. The things they talk about. It is truly intriguing, and so I am a watcher.

I think it all started with the fact that I was shy and definitely not involved in elementary. I was much more comfortable in the corner reading a book. And THAT is the best disguise. When you're 'reading' a book people don't really pay attention to you, you can listen and watch. Also debate tournaments were great. They are one of the ultimate people watching environments in high school. Not to mention school dances.

Debate tournaments are a pretty great place to watch people. There are awkward romances, interesting clothing styles, and so many interesting people. It is great to just watch and observe the little idiosyncrasies of people.

But I don't just watch at Debate tournaments. Oh heck no, I watch everywhere. I tend to know things because I will be minding my own business and people are just talking around me, teachers will talk around me and then I know things and I have a memory that retains such things. so people would always ask me when things were, or what we were supposed to do for events.  I just know little things because I listen.

And I think human behavior is interesting I love to watch people in listen to what they talk about. it is fascinating to me the repartee between best friends, or between people who could care less about one another. The connection between couples. You can tell people truly care about one another when they are simply conent to hold hands. Sometimes a relationship isn't about the physical, it's about the simple touches of comfort and nearness. It is fascinating to watch people in every circumstance.

Right along wiht people watching comes listening. I listen more than I talk. And because of this people tell me their stories. They trust me with parts of their lives that they don't tell others. Even people who are not super close to me have confided in me because I listen. I know things about my coworkers, the people in my ward, on my former debate team. I just listen. and people then trust me with their stories. As a result I start to understand the people underneath. I understand certain behaviors, I understand why they act the way they do. It is amazing, you may start out distinctly disliking someone, but once you know who they are, or some of their stories it is easier to work with them. It is easier to be around them because you understand.

I love the show Criminal Minds. It's a morbid curiosity. They try to figure out the way that people think, get inside their minds and understand. And I love that. Not the part where people are kidnapped, killed or raped, but the other parts, where the team tries  to figure out why the people do what they do. Human behavior is worth watching and understanding. Right down to the smallest details.

And I notice the small details. Like what your hair cut is, if you dyed it recently. I notice the little things in conversations, like if you are allergic to something, or if you happen to mention a favorite candy. I know and notice the little things. The smaller details. My roommates have often commented to me that "You notice everything". I notice when there are chocolate chips on the counter, someone must be making chocolate chip cookies. The details around us are telling if we just open our eyes and try to understand.

To me human behavior is fascinating. And that's why when you see me in a group of people I probably won't be the one talking, I'll be the one listening, and sometimes smiling. I'll be the one taking in the details and watching what everyone is doing. Don't feel creeped out, we're all so different, and details about us are the things that make life the most interesting.