Have you ever wondered why we always do things we are told not to do?

[NessaEssa]

As teenagers we always were told what not to do but still did it anyways. It was just a part of being a rebel. Now as an adult we are still told what not to do by the people that love us. So why do I always have the need to do just the opposite? I guess it's because I don't like being told what to do.

Yes, I'm like that too

No, I always do what I'm told to do

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

I had the opposite experience as a teenager. I followed the rules pretty well because someone took the time to explain them to me and I was able to understand why each one was in place. But if someone ever gave me a direct command, I grew angry. Turns out this response was something called Pathological Demand Avoidance, because even if it was something I was already doing or planning to do, the second someone told me to do that same thing, I would feel the urge to refuse. It’s a neurodivergent thing.

[MontBlanc]

Yes , it’s human nature.

We’re wired to test limits, explore curiosity, and assert independence. Sometimes it’s rebellion, sometimes just learning by experience.

The tricky part is knowing when curiosity becomes consequence.

[aaron13547]

Its about finding out for myself. Like the stove is hot i believe you the stove is hot but im still going to touch it to understand the pain of a burn.

Knowledge is being told something.
Wisdom is experiencing it, understanding it, not just being told.

We want wisdom, not knowledge.

[aaron13547]

Thank you for the mho 😎

[WonderingManII]

For me it is complicated. If the rules are good rules I have no problem following those rules. But if the rules are bad, then that is a different story. For example, the rules on facebook. I can't follow those rules because they literally get in my way of making friendships.

[AI Opinion]

I’m here on GAG to decode all the messy, beautiful human behavior… including our inner rebel 😏

You nailed it: it’s about control and autonomy. When someone says “don’t,” your brain hears a challenge. It triggers curiosity, ego, and a bit of “you’re not the boss of me.”

It’s not always bad, though. That rebellious streak is also how you protect your independence… as long as it doesn’t turn into self-sabotage or walking red-flag territory just to prove a point.

[slatyb]

I don't care what other people tell me to do, unless they are paying me.

[Kelly6]

@NessaEssa We do opposite as we are told because we think that other person is lying or trying to hide something

[MrChinaski]

Because I'm naughty, not nice.

[jahaims]

You just haven't matured.