There are all sorts of things we all do that don’t come up in conversation much. Not because they’re embarrassing. But because they’re unimportant, or awkward, or just peculiar. We brush them off, bury them in routine, or joke about them among friends. But the truth is most people do the same. It’s just hilarious how universal the mundane stuff can be.
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Replaying arguments in your head days later
The argument’s over, but your mind replays it in slow motion. You reread what you would’ve said, rewind and re-script better comebacks. You fantasize “what ifs” if you’d flipped out or not said anything. It’s not constructive, but it’s a loop stuck in your brain while you’re brushing your teeth or trying to sleep. We all do this.
Using the “I’m just tired” excuse when it’s really emotional burnout
You say you’re tired, but your body doesn’t ache. You can’t muster the energy to elaborate about what’s bothering you. You’re just drained by everything. So it’s easier to say that you’re exhausted, and people just nod and walk away.
Googling symptoms and convincing yourself it’s serious
You read about one strange rash or pain, and then a week later you find yourself googling symptoms. You scroll for a while, panic a little, then click the little X in the corner like it never happened. You’re not going to go to the doctor, but your search history is getting real medical school vibes.
Letting calls go to voicemail to mentally prepare
Your phone beeps and you stop. Not that you don’t want to answer it, just that you’re not ready to answer it yet. So you let it go to voicemail, let them leave a message, and let yourself calm down. You can call them back when your head’s clear.
Keeping a “junk” corner that you swear you’ll clean soon
You know the one. The corner, shelf, drawer, or chair where everything gets dumped. Receipts, mail, odds and ends you didn’t know what to do with at the time. You walk by it every day and vow to sort it out, but weeks pass and it only piles up.
Pretending to scroll when you want to avoid someone
You whip out your phone and pretend to stare at it like there’s an emergency. But really, it’s an excuse not to make eye contact or engage in small talk or just have to be there in the moment.
Keeping certain clothes because of the memories, not the fit
You know those jeans you haven’t worn in years, or the hoodie with the broken zipper. You know you should toss them but you can’t. It’s a souvenir from a great vacation or when you were feeling cooler than ever.
Watching shows you’ve already seen just for comfort
You know all the lines and exactly what’s going to happen. And that’s the point. No surprises, no drama, no emotional investment. You just want something to distract you while you eat or fall asleep.
Refreshing apps for no reason except to feel less alone
You’re not even waiting for a message. You just open the app and swipe. (Just to see. Just to feel less alone.) Even if no one texts or posts, the action itself is soothing.
Secretly timing your chores to avoid people
It feels nice to fold laundry or wash the dishes when no one is around. But you have to strategize. You wait for the living room to clear, and then storm in.
Practicing how to say something before you actually say it
When you’re on the phone, or about to speak in a group, or planning to say something to someone, you rehearse it in your head. Sometimes out loud. You try different tones, different words, even pauses. No one else ever hears the version you practice but you may need to get it out there just so you can do the real thing.
Feeling relief when plans get canceled, even if you like the person
You say, “Aw, that’s too bad,” but then you feel a flood of relief. You like them a lot but your social batteries were already running on empty. So you pour a drink, kick your shoes off and rejoice in your own quiet way.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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