We all have that one friend who comes to us with their unsolicited meticulous reviews of a film or song they recently watched or listened to. They seem utterly oblivious that there is a thin line between passion and boasting. There is no way to be sure, but is it annoying? Hell yes! And what if we are that one annoying friend in the group? ((subconsciously or consciously). They are devastating to even think about. Over analyzing anything, results in the inability to enjoy the relevant emotions to their full extent.

Over-intellectualising is when you look too hard for an ulterior meaning in something that may not even be present merely to be critical. If you find yourself doing this, then we hate to break it to you– it can be displeasing, at the same time, rob you of the exact emotions expressed by that medium. Hate that pizza place? Please don’t tell us how their sauce lacks thyme from Italy.

“Over-intellectualising is when you look too hard

for an ulterior meaning in something that may not even be present merely to be critical.”

We need to understand that the perception and purpose of consuming a film, song, or any other form of art, food, content, or anything could be subjective. You might be watching a movie for the layers in the story, character development, great cinematography, etc, while the other person wants to enjoy their weekend with some popcorn and a movie to binge on.

For instance, you can’t just watch the hangover trilogy and expect your friends to discuss the critical nuances. That’s just criminal.

A 20-year-old art student says, “I witness this all the time in my college’s film club & book discussions, which kills my motivation to participate in the meetings actively.” Along the line somewhere, we become blind to the primary narrative, which appeals to our emotions and impulses at first sight. We only actively stress the secondary cues, stretching them into tedious and subjective stories. This could go two ways; either you have an epiphany or kill the essence.

Over intellectualizing isn’t limited to perception and art. More often than not, we use it as an unhealthy coping mechanism. We use it to get out of dealing with painful emotions. It can look like the self-diagnosis we perform on the internet to avoid the anxiety and sadness of the experience of being ill when you probably have the flu. When you list the benefits of being single again instead of facing the pain of rejection after a breakup, it can also be busying yourself with funeral arrangements where you have no time to grieve the loss of a loved one.

It’s essential to notice your thoughts, emotions, and body without evaluating or making sense of them. You acknowledge sensations as they happen – This is a life hack going a long way in all the different shades and spectrums of life.

A quote by famous poet Oscar Wilde says, “Life is too important to be taken seriously.” We all already have too much to think about in this age of stress, burnout, high levels of anxiety. Life is stressful and overwhelming; from a global pandemic to the onset of war, we’re seeing it all. So, it’s best not to spiral. If not, seeking professional help will work wonders.