Why does my brain rehearse arguments that will never happen?

r/

I’ll be in the shower like, “And THEN I’d say this, and they’d be speechless… destroyed… humbled.” Meanwhile, the argument isn’t even real. No one’s mad. No one’s talking to me. I’m just beefing with imaginary people and winning fake debates like it’s the championship.

Why does my brain do this?? And why am I always right in these scenarios? 😂

Comments

  1. LieutenantBJ Avatar

    I do it, too. I think it’s a simple coping mechanism for anger and stress.

  2. Steel_Man23 Avatar

    I sometimes find myself doing this too, but it’s usually an argument with people that I know, but the conversation never comes up or it does and it’s just a normal conversation. It’s really weird because it’s like I don’t want to argue and be mad.

  3. avid-learner-bot Avatar

    Rehearsing arguments in our minds is kinda like flexing mental muscles, preparing for a hypothetical battle. It’s probably an old survival instinct, back when we needed to anticipate threats and respond fast

    Our brains can be pretty wild sometimes, but acknowledging this quirk helps us understand ourselves better. Maybe instead of ruminating on imaginary conflicts, we could channel that energy into more productive stress-relievers… like a good jog or some creative outlet

  4. Complete-Bite3019 Avatar

    OMG, I do the same thing! So glad I’m not alone in this! Now I’ll be waiting for replies too.

  5. AffectionateTaro3209 Avatar

    I do this quite often too. I’ve been told it’s a symptom of my OCD.

  6. Icy_Room_1546 Avatar

    It’s a form of manifestation

  7. LuckyShenanigans Avatar

    I do this too. The French have a term called l’espirit d’escalier of “the spirit of the stairs” which refers to witty replies you think of after the moment has passed and the conversation is over. So I feel like preemptive arguments are a kind of version of that…

  8. ortolon Avatar

    Ever seen a musician hanging out in their room? He picks up his guitar and instinctively starts picking it, noodling around, etc.

    You’re just finding your voice and keeping that part of your brain limber. You’re making words and logic your instrument, and mastering language.

    Don’t let anyone discourage you from it.

  9. uffington Avatar

    I do this. I also revisit arguments from years, even decades ago and fight them again. with hindsight and fury.

    When I do this, I often have to make a noise – usually a swearword as it all plays out.

  10. nuckle Avatar

    I bet when you are actually in an argument it helps. I guess the same reason you would practice speaking into a mirror before a speech.

  11. BurantX40 Avatar

    Coping and validation/venting (to yourself).

    You got anyone to talk to (professional or not) about stuff like this? It helps if you have someone you can word vomit to with objective observation, preferably

  12. KatherineCreates Avatar

    This happens to me a lot usually based on personal matters that I am worried about.
    And then not even depending on wherever I won or lost that game argument; the rest of my day am miserable thinking about a fake arguement that I could have lost.

  13. rathat Avatar

    I always practice explaining random things, not specifically to practice, but just cause that’s what comes out of my mouth when I’m alone.

  14. 1isOneshot1 Avatar

    Some kind of socializing related condition try looking into autism and adhd

  15. IAmRules Avatar

    Don’t we all do this ?

  16. ivanparas Avatar

    Practice? You might have a similar situation in the future, and you’ll be that much more ready for it if it happens. That’s how I justify all my anxiety anyway lol

  17. theblackoctopus23 Avatar

    I have done this all my life. But when real arguments happen, it’s never like rehearsal.