Everyone does it right? But the real question is, to what extent?

Prior to a test, some students may "overthink" possible questions and wonder if they studied enough. Others may "overthink" about their student loans, we're all in that boat. But, does anyone besides myself overthink about little things such as if I should ring the doorbell or knock?

I was once going to my friend's house and arrived at the exact time that we had said we would meet. I then took about ten minutes trying to decide if the doorbell or knocking would be better. Would the doorbell startle her? Would knocking be too loud and seem as though I was being intrusive? Seems like a stupid thing to ask myself because it is, but that's the level of "overthinking" that I've come to.

My mind also rambles when I'm texting. I'm sure the text from the person you "like like" makes the butterflies in your stomach stir. For me, this happens when I text my friend that for instance, I'm running late. The only difference is that these butterflies are pounding on my chest with drumsticks while bouncing off the walls from a sugar rush. Everyone runs late, it's pretty common thing.

But for me, I start thinking about all the possible ways my friend might feel if I'm not on time. What if she has been waiting for me and is disappointed, or if she has other plans that she's going to have to miss, or if not being on time is her number one pet peeve and I'm being really annoying. It's a battle with telling myself not to stress and then overthinking because I feel like I'm not stressing about things enough.

I started writing down the things that cause my brain to short circuit and I find that it has helped a little. I've met others who have felt similarly about overthinking and they've helped me realize that sometimes it can be a good thing. Once, while I was planning a trip to the city with some friends, I started making a list of things I thought we might need. Everyone else was going to bring some cash and dress warmly since it was during the winter months. Turns out, no one brought enough money to buy an adequate amount of food in order to satisfy their hunger.

But, I had brought granola bars and chips so everyone was full. It had snowed the day before and when we were walking through the streets a couple of my friends had drenched their shoes in the murky puddles. By coincidence, I had brought extra socks. When the sun disappeared and the lights brightened the sky everyone was absolutely freezing; thankfully, I had brought extra gloves.

Though overthinking has been my downfall in many situations, I've come to terms with it and am trying to limit it. Until the day where I can decide between knocking and ringing the doorbell within a normal amount of time, I'll just keep my head up and try to kill these butterflies.