How do you define the phrase “overthinking” compared to (maybe it’s the same for you) how you think it is defined culturally in conventional wisdom?

[VIVANT]

Ah. Well, here we are again. If if you think of this question before I’m sure I absolutely have. I think I ask this question every couple of years, to see if there has been any significant shift in cultural perception. I wonder if I look back I find that I asked the question more in warmer seasons, or cooler seasons 🤔 for some reason, I feel like I’d be more likely to ask this when it’s warm. Maybe because, people get agitated in heat.

yeah, I know obviously this is not a sufficient sample size statistically , But anecdotally, I still find it of interest.

so there you go, have it🥳

~ thank you 🫧🫧🫧

no definitely do not draw any inference from the bubbles. I just really like them periodically I get a new favorite emoji and right now. This is mine. at least for considering what’s available while I’m on gag.

at the risk of making people who feel they can’t possibly have a nice day, feel bad... I wish everyone a nice day. And if not today, maybe try for tomorrow. I mean.. if you wish.. ultimately It’s not really my business 🤍

[OlderAndWiser]

The term "overthinking" is usually applied to relationships, and particularly new relationships. Overthinking happens when a participant in a budding relationship is uncomfortable with the ambiguity of a new relationship and they want to contemplate and resolve the ambiguity before moving forward. We all do that - to some extent - and it is quite natural to reflect on out current life experiences. But when a person experiences frequent anxiety as a result of overthinking, it becomes problematic.

The problem is that ambiguity comes about because we do not know very well this new potential partner AND because we lack some self-confidence in our decisions about how to proceed. Is this new girl acting a particular way because of reason A or reason B? What does she think about us so far? If, e. g., I suggest a day at the zoo for our next date, will she think that is a bit too much? If I send her roses, will she think that is romantic or desperate?

I certainly engaged in some overthinking when I was younger, and I thought I needed to control and orchestrate my behavior to achieve a certain effect on a girl. I abandoned that thinking long ago, and I accept the reality that if a girl does not like me as I am - being my real self - then we have no future and I need to know that as soon as possible. I also accept the fact that relationships involve taking chances: you gotta take a chance if you wanna find romance!

The result of my evolving thinking is that I was much more comfortable when I was dating (happily married now) and I tended to stay more in the here and now rather than worrying about what might happen on our next date or what she would tell our friends after the date. And I was much happier and more confident, which made my dating experiences more successful.

[lightbulb27]

I believe after asking 400,000 questions on GAG, you will fully understand yourself:)

Overthinking for some doesn't exist, becuase they so enjoy thinking that it feels good. That includes negative thinking for those that are rooted in negative emotions... gossip, regurgitate their thoughts to everyone, talk talk talk... go over and over issues.

For most, it involves thinking past the point of where you have a reasonable answer to continue onward. The answer doesn't have to be right, you just have to be flexible to adjust it and open to realizing when you are wrong. If you fail to recognize your wrongness. Some smart people like Einstein got stuck on issues their whole life, like quantum physics, couldn't figue it out... didn't make sense. Richard Fineman was right, not Albert. e. g. you can be a smart cookie... and be wrong... or just not get it. Note: eat more cookies.

Overthinking thus is rooted in security and confidence LONG TERM. You want to make a good decision and not have to change your mind. The fear of that wrong answer and having to change and lose, causes OVER THINKING.

The mind that is shorter term focused and flexible to adapt to change or error, does not have to over think, they have less fear.

Some people whom are "simpler" and quicker acting have less stress and can get decisions made and done wheras others will sit and think and ponder for decades... not making a decision. Of course, the decision is being made by way of their lake of decision making! I know... it's perplexing isn't it... probably fodder for a good song.

@midnightmoon05

https://www.youtube.com/embed/c6pn8O7nXKY

[FreyaRed]

Overthinking could mean thinking too much about something in my perception. However I understand that people who think in English use verb overthinking for some kind of obsession or inability to see something from different perspectives.
Generally in both cultures I'm native to is thinking too much better than not thinking at all, because ignorance (lack of knwoledge) is rather a mistake than a bliss.

[wynning]

I think it’s a slippery slope of thought… something that starts off as just “thinking” but slowly becomes a spiral up or down the stairs depending on how optimistic it pessimistic you are about it - each one bringing you further and further from where you started and maybe where you should be.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

I define overthinking somehow like Nathan: Thinking in circles, possibly obsessively, due to some powerful enough anxiety taking control within.

Now overthinking, as it is defined around me, depends on who is talking about it.

I've noticed that people not especially valuing thinking or people using thoughts mainly for a practical goal, tend to come up with the following statement: "You're thinking too much". Which makes sense from their perspective, when you don't achieve practical goals, then thinking for the fun of thinking isn't going to be a sane activity for them.

People more into thinking, as a daily activity, can talk about overthinking as a way to describe "hyperanalysis", hypercritical views to the point. This is what Cupcake described.

[Lliam]

To me, overthinking means ceaseless second guessing. A constant cycle of "what if this, what if that, ... " Mind spinning. Dwelling on minute signals, imagining what they might mean, and jumping to conclusons.

There is nothing wrong with being observant, thinking things through and looking at all the angles. But "overthinking" can be a form of neuropathy, probably based on insecurity.

It can cause a person to sabotage themselves or be too afraid to move forward.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Overthinking, in my understanding, is when you need a sense of control over something and you think about every single possibility, usually bad ones, and how to “prepare” for them in the best way. Alternatively, it can also just be hyperanalyzing something to the point that it’s no longer what it originally was and causes more harm than good. Culturally, I think most people consider it to just be the same as worry in and of itself.

[Communicationisking]

overthinking = anxiety

defined culturally as worrier/worry wort/stress head and many more.

Some really caring people that are concerned for say a partner or a child can exhibit this and I think that is totally normal and a sign of true caring

[Sunrising]

I take in account if plan A fails, I have a plan B, C, and D. So perhaps I do over think some situations, but I prefer this scenario, and be prepared should the unthinkable happen.

I also wish you VIVANT, and everyone else on GAG's a good day 🙂

[NathanDavis]

how do I define overthinking...

overthinking is the action of inaction... indecision that comes from worry and can become anxiety

being stuck in a loop, and often an unnecessary one

[TonyMetal___86]

Overthinking means to me, when someone thinks abiut something more than the usual, like giving it time and importance more than it deserves...

Overthinking usually causes stress and anxiety and some things in life won't change no matter how much you over think about it, you'll be just destroying yourself!

[slatyb]

To me "overthinking" means rationalizing away one's feelings when making decisions, particularly important decisions about a relationship or investment.

[Summeroflove]

What some people would call overthinking I honestly don’t think it is especially in newer relationships.

[andreasderjuengere]

I imagine 'overthinking' like over-pressure.

When the thoughts-bubble bursts, the thoughts will scatter in all directions... and erratically.

[msc545]

I define it as the type of repetitive and circular thinking people do when they have a lot of anxiety about something. Perseverative.

[Texasgal95]

I’m 1000000% an overthinker

[goaded]

Let me get back to you on that.

[Anonymous]

Thinking more than necessary.

[spartan55]

To me it says