What sorts of things would you like to know about other people? If you were to begin asking friends, acquaintances, strangers, coworkers, the questions you’re truly curious about, what kinds of reactions and responses would you expect? What if someone you didn’t know began asking you that sort of question?

When you read the second question, did you assume the condition that the responses you received would be truthful? Do you believe that such a condition would be required to get honesty from the people you are interested in?

What kinds of responses could deceive you? Are you vulnerable to flattery? Distraction? Manipulation? Does awareness of your insecurities make you less susceptible to them? Are you actually insecure, or does the real you love a challenge? What’s the worst thing you never noticed in the room with you? Wouldn’t you like to know?

How would you describe the way you feel now? Can you say it in words? A song? A scream? Laughter? Tears? A hush?

What would it mean if I could put your feelings into words when you can’t? Do you want to know?

There is a sense, or a feeling, that I am coming into contact with now while I’m searching. This is “contact” in the same way that an eye is in contact with the sun while receiving its light. It’s happened twice while sitting in front of the mirror, and it is not remotely familiar to me. It isn’t mine.

I’m working on it.