As humans, we all have that one specific bad habit that we’re constantly trying to get rid of. Sometimes, these habits are so deeply in us that they almost feel like an addiction—something we find incredibly hard to let go of. For me, that bad habit is overthinking. I’ve realized that I am the kind of person who tends to overanalyze situations. When someone treats me poorly, I don’t just let it slide or move on. Instead, I replay the event in my head over and over again, dissecting every little detail. This often leads to negative thoughts, making it hard for me to let go of certain things.
It’s not just about the big things either. Sometimes, someone might say or do something completely harmless—maybe even jokingly—but I’ll find myself processing it the wrong way. I might even end up holding a grudge against them, not because I want to, but because I’ve overthought the situation to the point where I’ve convinced myself there was some deeper reason behind their actions. And let’s face it, this is exhausting—for me and for the people around me.
Over time, I’ve started to see how this habit has affected my relationships with others. It’s not easy for people to be around someone who gets upset over things that might not even matter. And it’s not easy for me either. I’ve noticed that my overthinking has increased my anger in certain situations. I get angry easily, even over subtle things that most people would laugh off or ignore. What’s worse is that I’ve started to interpret things that are meant to be lighthearted or funny as personal attacks.
I think part of the reason I became an overthinker is because I at some point in my lifen i spent a lot of time by myself. When you’re always in your own space, with no one to talk to, it’s easy to get lost in your thoughts. You start to analyze every little thing, and before you know it, it becomes a habit—a bad one. And while overthinking does have its positives (like being more aware of people’s actions and knowing when to stick around or walk away), I can’t deny that it has done more harm than good.
One of the biggest issues with being an overthinker is how much it affects my mental health. The constant replaying of scenarios, the negative thoughts, and the grudges—they all take a toll on me. And being angry all the time doesn’t help either. I’ve realized that if I want to have healthy, meaningful relationships, I need to change. I need to work on letting go of things that don’t matter and stop assuming the worst in people.
What fueled my decision to do better is the awareness of how this habit is pushing people away. I want people to feel comfortable around me, not like they’re walking on eggshells. I also want to feel at peace with myself. Life is hard enough without adding unnecessary stress by overthinking everything.
This journey of breaking free from overthinking hasn’t been easy, but I’m committed to it. I’ve started to remind myself that not everything requires a deep analysis and that sometimes, things are just what they are—no hidden meanings, no bad intentions. I’m learning to let go, to forgive, and to focus on the positive. It’s a work in progress, but I know I’m moving in the right direction.
Thanks for reading.