Question from a reader:
Does a person who says, “You’re overthinking it,” completely disregard the feelings of the other person?
The Feelings When Told “You’re Overthinking It”
Recently, during a conversation with a friend, I was told, “You’re overthinking it.” At that moment, something began to stir uncomfortably within me. I believe this phrase stems from a lack of understanding of
the other person’s feelings. In reality, the notion of overthinking often conceals the worries and anxieties someone is grappling with beneath the surface.
A Memorable Episode
One particularly striking memory is when a college friend was struggling with job hunting. He was overly concerned about his speaking style and expressions while preparing for interviews. During that time, another friend casually remarked, “You’re overthinking it.” I noticed a fleeting cloudiness in his expression. Indeed, he might have been overthinking to some extent, but I felt that such words couldn’t ease his anxieties. Later, I approached him and said, “It’s tough to truly understand how much you’re worrying. But let’s try to relax a little.” He smiled slightly and replied, “Yeah, thanks. But I still feel nervous.” This exchange highlighted for me just how crucial it is to understand the feelings of others.
The Possibility of Overthinking
Of course, there are situations where overthinking is very real. I, too, sometimes find myself worrying excessively, which prevents me from taking action. However, recognizing this tendency requires time for self-reflection. Therefore, before saying, “You’re overthinking it,” it’s important to listen carefully to what the other person has to say. Their worries and anxieties may run deeper than we realize.
Conclusion and Call to Readers
It’s easy to say, “You’re overthinking it,” but have you ever considered how much damage that single phrase can inflict on someone’s heart? For those who are struggling, I hope you can sense the weight of those words. If I were in their position, I would want to offer words of support, no matter how small. Have you ever experienced something similar? If you have stories about reflecting on your own overthinking or words from friends that resonated with you, I would love for you to share them in the comments. I believe that by sharing our experiences, we can deepen our understanding of one another.
