When Self-Awareness Became Self-Surveillance

When Self-Awareness Became Self-Surveillance

I was standing in the corner of a birthday party, holding a drink I barely touched. The room was full of laughter. Someone across from me was telling a story that had everyone smiling. Music drifted through the background. People were hugging, laughing, interrupting each other the way close friends do. It should have been one of those evenings you remember because you felt completely present. Instead… I wasn’t there at all. I was wondering if I’…