To think I am not the only one who thinks about doing stupid things?

[TrialOfStyle]

I don’t know if there’s a name for it, but that weird urge to do something really foolish, even though you know it’s stupid.

I was just using the shears and was thinking about putting my tongue on the blade (I’m obviously not going to do that), but these odd thoughts just pop up. I’m in no way thinking about self harm or even feel low, so I can’t really explain it. Does anyone else have these odd urges or should I be worried?

The imp of the perverse. Yeah, it's weird.

I'm always worried when I'm draining something that one day I'll just drain in onto the floor instead of the sink. Every time I do it the thought passes through my head 🤣

I wouldn't worry unless you feel compelled to follow the urge and may come to harm. Usually it's when you are tired and it's a nudge to take care.

Yeah sometimes- worse when I am tired actually - oh I could just let go of the stearing wheel or jab my arm with this veg knife

Nope, I do this too, I have a terrible habit of cutting a slice of cheese then eating it off the sharp knife, and every time I consider what if I accidentally slice my tongue off

Sounds like Peter Baynham's "mad thoughts" from back in the day. Like imagining climbing into the deep fat fryer at the chip shop and then screaming with pain as the bloke who runs it wonders why he didn't just buy a bag of chips.

Google Fist of Fun. (It's clean.)

It's very common! I've heard it called 'the imp of the perverse'. My version is an impulse to drive off the road whenever I'm driving alongside a drop or cliff.

As I understand it, it's actually a safety mechanism... By visualising the action, you are less likely to do it accidentally.

That’s really interesting. I didn’t realise it had a name. It’s not the kind of thing that usually comes up in polite conversation so I’m wondering how many of my friends think about lying in the road just because it’s a possibility.

@Sosigsandwich

I'm always worried when I'm draining something that one day I'll just drain in onto the floor instead of the sink. Every time I do it the thought passes through my head 🤣

I have actually done that. As well as draining cooked food and then immediately emptying it into the bin

It's the thing of standing at the edge of a cliff and thinking you're going to jump off, isn't it. You know you won't but there's a bit of you that wonders if you might.

With me it's the thought of throwing/dropping a phone or camera off a high building.

Glad to hear it's a safety mechanism of your sub consciousness.

Yep. I've always wanted to know what would happen if I pull up the handbrake whilst driving at speed....

@MaidofKent78 I worked in a company where that happened. Man and his gf we’re having a row in the car and she grabbed the handbrake. The car flipped and they were lucky not to be killed!

I have those thoughts too...slicing bits off, jumping off a roof, weird stuff I thought nobody else did.

Some people call it “call of the void” or just “intrusive thoughts”. It’s like a morbid curiosity “what would happen if....”?!

It’s very common!

I work in a supermarket and I sometimes imagine walking along the wine aisle with my arm stretched wide and smashing all the wine bottles as I go

I can't walk up stone steps without imagining tripping and smashing all my teeth in!

@brogo

I can't walk up stone steps without imagining tripping and smashing all my teeth in!

I have this thought too, glad I'm not the only one!

I used to be terrified I’d shout something during a play at the theatre. The temptation is so great.

When I used to work in the office part of my commute was to walk across a bridge over a deep river. Every single day I imagined what would happen if I jauntily swung my arms and flung my handbag over the side into the water below. I had to hold onto my bag extra tight to make sure I didn't do it.

I’m always imagining shutting my eyes while driving.

[quote magicstar1]@MaidofKent78 I worked in a company where that happened. Man and his gf we’re having a row in the car and she grabbed the handbrake. The car flipped and they were lucky not to be killed!

I have those thoughts too...slicing bits off, jumping off a roof, weird stuff I thought nobody else did.[/quote]
And that is exactly why I won't do it, despite the impulse being REALLY strong sometimes. What do they say about curiosity and the cat...?

Very normal to have intrusive thoughts. Just don't start believing that you might act on them as you'll risk getting ocd.

Everytime i drive over a bridge i think what if I accidentally turn the wheel and drive off the edge.

I can't walk up stone steps without imagining tripping and smashing all my teeth in!

Me too, everytime, I usually find myself putting my hand over my mouth as if it's already happened.

Sometimes, driving and want to smash into a wall etc