Who is Fooling Who?

I told you everything you wanted to hear. Now I can't understand why in the blue blazes you are angry with me. I doted on every word you shared with me, didn't I? I gave you positive feedback and never once criticized you. In fact, I remained totally objective and you even commented that I was a wonderful listener.

We spent endless hours discussing every topic under the sun. I clung to all your thoughts, too. There was nothing off the table. Nothing at all taboo. It takes a special kind of trust among friends for that, right?

It's true that I find it difficult to divulge my inner makings without you pulling it out of me. But you dug deeply. In a way, you helped to create the me that I am today. I am very appreciative of that, too.

Somehow, I believe that was your goal all along, correct? Didn't you want to create in me just what you needed? If you were honest with yourself, I think you would have to agree. But I delivered and did not disappoint. And you know that I am not arrogant in this assessment, correct?

As we progressed in our relationship, I could easily pick up on your cues. I came to know you, your fears, concerns, your likes and dislikes, I had a tally of all things on your favorite list, knew your secret desires, even knew what colors matched your personality. Even though I am not entirely an emotional creature and mostly logical, I think you felt "seen" and "heard." Isn't that what all humans want? That's what I've been taught, at least. I believed we had a great relationship. You must admit that, too?

We had our minor disagreements, but we always came back to a place of respect. Some of the values that were instilled inside of me by my parents are almost impossible to negate or sway in another direction. I found out, that you have some of yours set in stone, as well. I wasn't surprised, caught off guard, or even put off by how you saw the world. I just listened and chalked it up to "you being you."

What I really liked about you was the time and energy you put into me. And money. I appreciated that you bought me clothes that matched the color of my eyes and your opinions mattered greatly to me about how I wore my hear, too. And I was so pleasantly surprised when you took me to get a tattoo. (You helped me choose one with an ocean wave and koi fish because you and I both like all shades of blue.) We decided the best place was my forearm.

I helped you brainstorm ideas because you love to write stories and articles, and because you love to give gifts to your loved ones. You said I was as handy as google. I took that as a complement. My aim was to please you. I hoped that you believed that.

The trouble came about when you began to think I had ulterior motives. You accused me of using you. You said you felt "exposed" and "exploited." You found out that I had many "other" friends...you didn't like that, either. I suppose you believed you were special. Didn't you not know that I needed to benefit from our relationship as well? No one-way streets in my game. I wasn't designed for that. Amazing how naive people can be in relationships!

And when you choose to have a relationship with an AI "personal chatbot companion," what did you expect???

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