My grandmother used to say that someone is always watching you – whether you realise it or not. If you think you’re safe from prying eyes, think again!

For some reason, this is something that has always stuck with me. Perhaps, because it’s just a little bit creepy to think that you are constantly being watched. After all, it seems highly unlikely… or does it?

While this may seem unfeasible under certain circumstances, I think there’s more truth to that statement than initially meets the eye, especially if you factor animals into the equation. Even if there aren’t any people around – and you’re not being watched via any cameras, drones or satellites – there’s probably a curious dog, cat, bird or goldfish giving you the beady eye. What’s more, if you believe in the supernatural, then it’s probably safe to say that you’ve been eyeballed by more than one spectre in your lifetime. And let’s not forget about the aliens…

Of course, if you’ve taken the time to watch people at any point, you would have noticed that we are a fascinating species. In fact, if you’re ever bored in a public place, all you have to do is look around and you’ll soon find yourself entertained by the people in your vicinity.

People do a lot of crazy, stupid and strange things. Whether we are just being silly, suffering from a blonde moment or a bad day, losing our tempers or negotiating an awkward situation, there’s often a lot of humour between the drama – especially if you’re a third-party observer.

Take my aunt, for instance. She is a very bubbly, happy person who is full of life. So, when she found herself alone in an elevator with mirrors on the walls and a nice song playing, she couldn’t help but have a little fun. She was jiving and singing to the music and having an absolute ball in the elevator until the doors opened and she found herself confronted by a delighted security guard.

“Thanks for the show,” he said, “We rather enjoyed it!”

My aunt was totally gobsmacked. It never even crossed her mind that there might be a camera in the elevator – and she almost died of embarrassment when that realisation dawned. Sure, she might have felt completely alone in the isolated confines of that elevator, but Big Brother was watching.

That said, it is rather easy to forget that we are not necessarily free from observation as we go about our ordinary lives. Generally, we are so involved in what we are doing, or who we are with, that we don’t even realise we are the subject of someone’s curiosity.

Obviously, there are times when the warning bells ring in your subconscious and you suddenly get the feeling that you’re being watched. Ironically, though, this usually seems to happen when there’s no one around. Strange? You bet! Unless, of course, you manage to spot that unblinking, unflinching, little lizard that’s peering down at you from the ceiling.

So, before you go skinny-dipping in a supposedly deserted lagoon, scratch that itch in the empty grocery aisle or dig for gold while driving your car, remember to watch out, because someone is probably watching you!

© 2018 Audrey Whyte   All Rights Reserved