I have a couple general interest questions.

First, (therapists, psychologists etc. no offense), why is it that people working in mental health have to stare so unwaveringly at patients? I get that they are gauging body language, eye contact etc. to fill in gaps that patients are not revealing, but come on. Eye contact is one thing, but that dead on stare is downright predatory. Forget that society considers continuous staring improper. Having someone sit still and stare when a person is in trouble, seems deleterious. No one says they have to cry or hug, but a polite drop of the eyes, might be better. That does not mean embarrassment or disengaging from the moment. Call it common courtesy. If you watch an animal hone in on prey, they use the same stare. Intent, watching and waiting for the prey to reveal a weakness or move. While that effect is surely not intended, the result can feel the same.

The second question is similar as it started from looking up stares. Psychopaths, who also have that predatory stare, though not for the same reason, don't report nightmares about what they have done. At least, I've never read about one who did. Lack of emotion may seem like the obvious answer, but doesn't add up. (I'm talking about violent psychopaths, not business ones). Still, a psychopath can enjoy a meal, or sex or an adrenaline rush, and while those may seem like physical reactions, they aren't entirely physical. Depression can make everything taste like cardboard, while joy can make bland food taste good. So, why then, are psychopaths unmoved by carnage?

Thanks