i pretend not to notice when…

27 Jul, 2026

I pretend not to notice when people choose the less expensive option because they can’t afford anything else or are trying to save money.

I pretend not to notice when the discomfort or sense of defeat or anger runs across someone’s face when we pass a homeless person on the street.

I pretend not to notice when a couple is arguing in front of me.

I pretend not to notice when an adult is being mean or curt or cruel to a child that is their own.

I pretend not to notice when a friend contradicts themself.

I pretend not to notice the fear people have for the future when it slips out.

I pretend not to notice the addiction someone makes efforts to hide from me.

I pretend not to notice the poverty, the mental illness, the cracks, the pain, the fear, the terror. The anger.

I pretend not to notice the discomfort I cause people.

I pretend not to notice the discomfort I cause myself.

I pretend not to notice racism or sexism or whateverism when the outcome benefits me.

I pretend not to notice a lot of things.

I pretend not to notice so I can feel clean.