Do you have a quirk that makes you think you're the only one who does it? Like talking to yourself while driving. Turns out, you might not be as special as you think. One study has found that 98% of people have an internal monologue.
And if you think you're the only one who has meowing conversations with their cat, think again. According to one survey, 84% of pet owners talk to their pets as if they were fellow humans.
We seldom discuss these weird habits with someone else. Yet we're not afraid to admit to them on the internet. We've collected the best and most out-of-pocket answers from two Reddit threads where someone asked people to share the things we all do but don't talk about. Scroll down and see if you can relate to any of them, Pandas!
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I have meowing conversations with my cat when no one is around. Anyone else do this or am I just odd?
I hope you don't accidentially say something inappropriate to your cat
Simulate awesome and highly improbable situations with your imagination when you are alone or about to sleep.
I call it Liminal Sleep. Some of us do it weather we want to or not.
Imaginary arguments were a pretty popular answer in both threads. Indeed, who hasn't overthunk a conversation after saying goodbye or laid in bed at 3 AM in the morning coming up with the perfect comeback they could've used that day? Psychologists actually call this 'rumination.'
It's when we repeat entire conversations in our head and sometimes can't stop thinking about them. Why do we ruminate? These are some of the possible reasons:
- It's a way to control anxiety;
- It's how we self-soothe;
- It's how we prepare for similar conversations in the future.
Use Q-tips the way the instructions warn you not to.
If you have a problem with earwax, there's a thing out there I didn't know about until my 40s. Debrox. You can buy it in the pharmacy without a prescription and it is the best thing for a clogged up ear. Just buy the kit and follow the instructions. make sure you're wearing a shirt you don't care about though. It can get kind of messy when all that wax lets loose.
When you're just doing whatever, minding your own business, and suddenly you remember the absolute worst moment of your life.
Cringe moments. The only good thing about turning 70 is that one's memory starts to forget all that stuff.
Puts lots of plastic bags in another plastic bag and keeps it under their sink.
If a situation or a conversation caused us a lot of stress and anxiety, we're more likely to keep repeating it in our heads. A psychologist and therapeutic life coach in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Natalie Bernstein explains that we ruminate to prepare for similar experiences in the future.
"Rumination can develop as a result of traumatic experiences or the false belief that repeatedly thinking about this one thing can help solve the problem. There's an idea that forcing ourselves to think about a situation will lead to a solution," she says.
Have imaginary arguments between you and someone else, usually someone you dislike, and winning, embarrassing them in front of everyone.
When getting ready to order at a restaurant, you repeat the order over and over in your head so you don't forget when it's time to put in the order. Then as soon as they ask what you'd like your mind goes blank and you have to look at the menu again to find it.
Not really knowing when or how to interact with someone walking towards you down a long hallway. I never know when its time to make eye contact and I end up staring at people like a freak.
Rumination in itself isn't that bad and most people do it. However, if it starts causing too much anxiety or starts veering into obsessive overthinking, it might be a sign of something more serious. Nevertheless, there are some strategies we can use to stop ruminating so much.
- Ground yourself in the present moment;
- Allow yourself to make mistakes and be wrong;
- Focus on something else in the moment: call a friend, listen to some music or a podcast;
- Put your worries in writing;
- Adjust your perspective and ask yourself, "Will it matter an hour? 3 hours? A day from now?”
- Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses.
I have a suspicion that a lot of people regret having children but if you admitted it, people would think you're a horrible person.
Saying they are busy and can't go out this weekend, but in reality they are just lying in bed watching netflix.
This might be slightly off-topic, but when I had a miscarriage, I realized that no one ever talks about it. Tons of women came to me saying they had one but never even mentioned it before. Like a taboo subject.
I feel like nowadays more and more people talk about it, comparing to even 10-20 years ago. As well as talk about their other difficult issues in general. I find it uplifting, that people start to talk about their traumas and look for encouragement and help without feeling ashamed
Have conversations with themselves while driving.
Nose-picking.
There was a drunk man at a soirée, sitting by himself, picking his nose. Being quite drunk myself and without social inhibition, I shoutted at him to not pick so deep, he could poke an eye out. Someone then grabbed my arm and took me outside to scold me. Turns out Picker Man was the city's mayor and my boss's boss (I was a live in nanny back then). Oupsy!
Binge watch a season of television all day.
Sure, we might say, "oh yeah, I watched A LOT of Breaking Bad this weekend", but what we really mean is "oh yeah, I did not get off my couch except to pee and bring food to the couch, and even that was a challenge."
Edit: Spelling. No I'm not proud, but I do have a fever of 103°...
Edit Edit: You know what, before I posted this I was a little worried that I would have no one to relate to. I mean, I know people watch a lot of TV, but I didn't realize anyone else shared my level of commitment. It feels good to know that there are others out there, just like me, who right now are telling themselves "one more, then bed.".
Yes with supernatural etc only it’s I’ve an evening lol not all day,
Judge others. So many people act self righteous about it, but you judge people without even thinking about it. It's human nature.
I think people mean different things by judging. Judgemental can be a problem, but judicious is necessary.
When you're all alone and a really embarrassing moment from your past barges into your head. And then you start cursing at yourself out loud.
I say, "Stupid, stupid" to myself to try to dispel the memory. I don't always wait to be alone, though.
Ask questions you know the answer to, for the sake of continuing the conversation.
I do this with my kids so they know I'm interested in what they're interested in.
We pretend we're looking into the shop but really we're just checking out our reflection in the shop's windows.
Running up the stairs when its dark, because satan is most definitely following you.
Thinks about being rich and famous, and imagines what your lifestyle would be like and how impressive it will be to everyone you know, and then forcing yourself to accept that that will probably never happen and feeling bummed out about it. For bonus bummer points you can do this while looking at expensive real estate online and mentally planning how you would furnish your awesome mansion.
Or being the significant other of a celeb or singer and living a life of luxury because you are arm candy
Popping blackheads and zits. So satisfying.
Guilty as charged. I was Dr Pimple Popper at school. It's the battle of good over evil
Sniffing our pits to check whether we stink or not.
Imagining that you have superpowers.
When I'm walking on a path by a road I start to worry about how I'm walking and if I look like an idiot to everyone.
Think about what you're going to say before you even say it, then you stutter for some reason even though you already knew what you were going to say.
Girls don't talk about the difficulties of shaving pubic hair. I'm 20 and I still haven't been able to do it without hurting myself, but I can't seem to bring myself to ask anyone about it because no one ever talks about it.
Use one of those clippers that men shave their 5 o'clock shadows with. Works wonders and you will never have nicks
Do you get razor rash at all? (Sorry if that's a little too personal!)
Load More Replies...I've never understood why anybody would even want to shave their c****h. When you buy a bathing suit get 1 that covers people!
Because some of us have 80s style bushes and I don't want to wear a costume from the 50s, thanks.
Load More Replies...Another stupid thing women do because they think it is necessary to get a guy. What sadist started this trend?
Some women do it because they feel more comfortable that way. Yes, some feel pressured into it, but it's like a lot of other feminine things, like wearing makeup, or dressing up; we do it for our own enjoyment. It feels nice to look in the mirror and feel a bit extra special sometimes.
Load More Replies...Use moisturiser or conditioner, shave in the direction of growth - generally down - and only shave each area once - no shaver rash, no ingrowns
Don't do it! Public hair has protective purposes. Trim a bit for neatness, but please don't shave. Anyone who expects it should first shave his area, all the way back.
Sometimes it's a matter of personal preferences, not expectations from your partner.
Load More Replies...Probably best not to do it then. Or get him to do it for you, he's probably had more practice at shaving .
This. I do the trimming for her. I don't need a mirror. She likes a nice fade. :P Plus I was familiar with the territory. She does return the favor though. Although I don't have a preferred hairstyle, I'm happy she's moseying around down there. Tickles though.
Load More Replies...Trim the hedges. Full shave, for me, means infected hair folicals. How attractive and comfortable that is /s
I think it's sad that women (including me) have negative feelings about the hair on their legs, armpits, etc. It's natural. Why is it seen that way? Shouldn't shaving or not be a choice you can make without being judged by others or yourself?
For me it's personal. I sweat more if I don't shave my armpits. I love my legs feeling smooth, and I only shave my nether regions because (tmi) during my period it can get quite messy- I switch between tampons and pads. It's always been my choice and nobody else's to shave 🤷🏻♀️
Load More Replies...I shaved it for surgery and it itched and there were spots afterwards. Never again. If shaving hurts you, wax on the edges (bikini line), just trim a little bit the middle to get it nice if you want and stop. Leave the poor hair where it belongs, in addition this is far more hygienic.
Why shave your pubic hair? Personally, I prefer that on a woman. Shaved pubic areas are far less appealing.
We don't do it based on what you prefer. We do it (or don't do it) based on what we prefer.
Load More Replies...LOL, when my mom was in her early 80's and stayed with us a few months, she was very embarrassed, but confessed to me she needed me to pick up a new razor for her - for her nether-regions (as her legs didn't grow hair anymore). We launched into a TMI conversation, and instead I bought her a men's electric clippers. She told me she was sorry she didn't mention it to me earlier, since the clippers were a game changer. I was so proud that she manicured for so many years and I never had a clue! Go Mom!
My mom is 66 and still shaves her downstairs area. She just prefers it.
Load More Replies...If it’s something you’re conscious about, if and when you can afford, try laser. It’s expensive, but so is paying a wax therapist and buy razors/ hair removal creams etc
I tried shaving once and couldn't stand the itchy regrowth. Also tried waxing it once but it ended up a mess (I used the reusable wax strips and heated wax) and I couldn't pull the skin tight enough to do it properly. Since then I just keep it 'trimmed' with an electric razor.
Get a really good razor blade. I use Venus with the good blades and it helps.
Talk to themselves. More specifically talk to themselves in the shower and win past arguments.
Imagining yourselves performing live in front of a huge crowd when listening to songs.
Judge someone based on race or ethnicity. Even if the judgment is pretty trivial or benign, or a stereotype that you joke about but don't take seriously, it's something we all do all the time.
I am an Indian and seriously being racist, classiest, casteist is in our blood. It just happens. Before I can stop myself, some idiotic comment crosses my mind. Sometimes i have to tell myself not to be this person
Imagine how other people think of you. I try very hard not to live in other peoples heads too much, but sometimes it's really difficult.
What other people think of us is none of our business. I read that somewhere--probably on BP!
Daydream about life without our spouse or significant other. Doesn't mean we're not happy, just pondering all scenarios.
In my head I live in an isolated cabin in the woods with no one near. Once a month I drive into town for supplies.
Inspect your droppings after a long bowel movement. Make sure no critters/ corn flakes squeezed their way out.
Edit: I have to make sure them d**n critters stay where they belong!
It should be a daily thing ! checking for specks of blood etc can save your life it’s not gross , I do it , having had a scare two yrs ago , I’m even more aware now ,
Saying we support small business but then only buy big brands ....
Sadly, it's often a matter of price. I "support" local small businesses in my country via sharing their posts, telling other people about them and encouraging others to buy from them. And I buy from local producents if I can and have not-repetitive purchases (i.e. if I need a new backpack I prefer to spend more and buy something local than go to market). But the sad truth is I don't have enough money to buy from small companies in daily life, as their prices often are much higher than the ones in chain stores. If I have to choose between paying my bills and doing all my daily groceries in small shops, unfortunately I have to choose bills
Worry about how loud you're breathing when wearing headphones.
Hold your breath when you pass someone who looks like they smell bad.
Or in my case, inhale deeply to justify my assumption.
If I walk by someone while smelling something bad, I always sort of judge that person, even if the smell is from a nearby trash bin or something. I will try to stop doing this.
Enjoying the smell of your own fart and enjoying it even more when other people are disgusted.
I farted in the shower the other day and almost passed out. I had to open the shower curtain and hang my head out.
Imagine having s*x with someone else other than their SO. Whether this be a passing thought on the street or a brief moment during intercourse itself.
Not s*x. But I admit to wondering what that woman looks like naked. No, I do not stare. Guys kinda can't help it. Sexist? Maybe. Truth? Absolutely. All the time? No.
Tucking our junk back between our legs to see what we would look like as a woman.
The internet is a wonderful source of comfort for all of us who think "Is it just me that does this weird thing?" Thanks to the internet we now know there are others who do it too.
I know! I felt reassured that I wasn’t the only one! Especially the one about what to do when approaching someone in a hallway, it’s so embarrassing!
Load More Replies...Have a full and amazed conversation with the little noises my nephew makes. He makes baby noise, you respond with 'Really? I didn't know that. That changes everything.'
I did that with my kids when they were babies! It's actually a recognized bonding technique.
Load More Replies...Does anybody, after a heated argument, or job interview, always think of something really awesome that they could have said?
Telegram: @marie_consultancy and mail: infocyberrecoveryinc@gmail.com, if you're a spouse who wants to browse through your partner's texts to get a sneak peek into their recent cunning behavior since you're concerned about their faithfulness. The only way to secretly watch or spy on your spouse is to adopt this technique.
Nobody mentioned faking an interview ? Like yes, Janet, those were my best lasagnas so far, I'm putting them on my restaurant's menu. Oh, you're talking about my new album? Ah, it was so personal, you know my grandparents yada... Yada... Yada...
Going over situations or conversations that happened years ago and wondering how different your life would be if you had done or said things differently.
The internet is a wonderful source of comfort for all of us who think "Is it just me that does this weird thing?" Thanks to the internet we now know there are others who do it too.
I know! I felt reassured that I wasn’t the only one! Especially the one about what to do when approaching someone in a hallway, it’s so embarrassing!
Load More Replies...Have a full and amazed conversation with the little noises my nephew makes. He makes baby noise, you respond with 'Really? I didn't know that. That changes everything.'
I did that with my kids when they were babies! It's actually a recognized bonding technique.
Load More Replies...Does anybody, after a heated argument, or job interview, always think of something really awesome that they could have said?
Telegram: @marie_consultancy and mail: infocyberrecoveryinc@gmail.com, if you're a spouse who wants to browse through your partner's texts to get a sneak peek into their recent cunning behavior since you're concerned about their faithfulness. The only way to secretly watch or spy on your spouse is to adopt this technique.
Nobody mentioned faking an interview ? Like yes, Janet, those were my best lasagnas so far, I'm putting them on my restaurant's menu. Oh, you're talking about my new album? Ah, it was so personal, you know my grandparents yada... Yada... Yada...
Going over situations or conversations that happened years ago and wondering how different your life would be if you had done or said things differently.
