People are so predictable. Have you ever just sat and observed a talking group of people? Kids, adults, they’re all the same. People are constantly playing the “status game”: altering their manner of speaking by determining how high of a rank they assume within the conversation. I usually play a lower rank, just for the heck of it. It gives me more opportunities to watch others, without being required to speak. People freak out when they realize I know much more about them than previously thought. Teenagers, especially, are all the same. They all have the same issues, the same problems, the same thoughts. Knowing what they’re thinking isn’t so difficult, especially when you’re aware of the game. Every single conversation is an example of the status game.
I don’t like dodging subjects; I’m particularly blunt. This works to my advantage in the game, especially when people realize I know what they’re thinking. And once they figure this out, my rank skyrockets. It’s fantastic. People aren’t as smart as you think. It’s difficult to fight back the laughter when people stare at me, nonplussed and bewildered. Having this power is great, but frightening.
Who, exactly, is playing the game against me?
