over-thinking

As it was so carefully pointed out to me this weekend, I tend to over-think things sometimes
…on occasion
…when there’s a good reason
…on pretty much any day that ends with the letter ‘y’.

The great thing about friends that know you exceedingly well is that they’re there to call you out when you talk out your ass. I was having dinner with DD on Friday night and I tried to make a case to her against the apparently popular notion that I over-analyze the personal relationships and situations in my life. I spent at least five-to-ten minutes explaining that I don’t always approach things analytically, and that not every corner of my personal life undergoes detailed analysis with mini-flow charts and SWOT analyses.

She bluntly called me a liar and was quick to point out that I was in the process of over-analyzing my over-analysis.  I acquiesced.  I know when I’m bested.  More to the point, I know never to go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line… wait, wait… I’m pretty sure DD isn’t Sicilian, but she is Italian so the point still stands.

The conversation continued on to my most recent romantic endeavors and the associated mental ramblings, which led to a discussion on the patterns that she sees in the women I’ve dated seriously.  It was the most honest, direct, and accurate summary assessment that anyone has ever given with respect to the characteristics that embody the women who have captivated me.  It actually surprised me in that I hadn’t seen a few of the larger ones for myself.  I was simultaneously floored and enlightened.  How can I do so much OCD-based mental gymnastics and still miss such big pieces of the picture?

I guess it just takes the right kind of reflection to see what you’ve missed.  Kudos to you, DD.  As for the over-thinking, I’m trying to lay off of it for a while and just do what ‘feels right’ instead of trying to figure out what’s right or wrong.  That’s easier said than done.