I’m still trying to deconstruct this feeling... a sort of cognitive dissonance, I suppose, when Mrs. Henderson from the HOA— no, *the other* Mrs. Henderson, the one with the Tesla — scoffed at my explanation of the 30-day return policy for expired coupons. My affect was entirely neutral, I even managed a pleasant, professionally calibrated smile, but inside there was this… intense curiosity, almost clinical, watching her eyes narrow as she called me "simple." I found myself observing my own internal response for any trace of anger or hurt, and honestly? Just a mild intellectual disagreement, like debating the optimal route on my morning commute. Why does that make me feel like I’m failing at being a human? Perhaps I’m just overthinking it, it’s 2 AM, after all...