Overthink much?

You're overthinking!

Has that happened to you? Do you sometimes wonder, are they just looking for a simple answer, or am I supposed to read more into it?

Sometimes it makes too much sense for it to be real, right? You think, there's got to be more to this. We don't want to come across as morons, so we think, there is a subtext, so we need to think, what kind of answer are they really looking for. Well, sometimes a cigar really is just a cigar.

A social conversation sometimes is like a dance. It's not a conversation if it's one party dominating the interaction. So, when you are asked for an opinion, or to make a choice, are you playing some kind of mind game, or do they really just want to know if you'd like a cup of tea?

Obviously, different cultures have very different communication styles. Small talks can trip people up if they don't understand the nuances. "How are you?" as most people understand is not an invitation for a dissertation. There usually is not a need to contemplate, why are they asking and what should I say. "What's for lunch?" is less straightforward.

"Do I look fat in this?" That's a tricky one. Are they looking for a compliment, reassurance, or honest opinion? That's a minefield. Get it wrong, and you're in deep trouble.

So, reader, I am asking for your stories. Do you sometimes find yourself in a situation that is actually less complicated than you thought? How did you find out a simpler answer or solution would have sufficed?

As always, please keep it civil and relevant. I promise I will refrain from commenting on your experience, but I might be curious enough to ask questions to better understand your story.