i have noticed recently that subconciously i am a paranoid person in many ways. i take in my surroundings wherever i go, particularly people around me, where they are, how far away they are, and if they’re looking at me or somewhere else. and i am sure to do it with all the discretion of an assassin, but i don’t know why. i almost always have something in my pocket that can be used as a weapon as well: a pen with a sharp metal tip, a small knife, or something equally useful. but for all of this i can’t think of a reason for it. i’ve only been in a couple fights and even then i’ve never been attacked without prior warning (i am counting a few seconds as prior warning, i just mean i’ve never been snuck up on and attacked or something to that effect.) is there any psychological reason for this anyone can think of right away? because if there is, it’s eluded me so far.
since i think it’s worth mentioning, i am not a violent person either; nor am i terribly aggressive. i’ve never started a fight, unless it was with a friend just for fun (and that doesn’t count because it’s not a real fight). i don’t look for trouble… on the rare occasion when i get into anything, it finds me.
Do you become violent when scared?
not really… just alert
Weird. I flip out and attack whatever I see, and I don’t consider myself paranoid.
but given the fact that i’ve never been attacked without warning it seems a little much, to be constantly aware and constantly armed, or able to become armed. (i.e. i can make almost anything into an effective weapon… if i don’t have something on me i’ll pick something up, and i try to be aware of what’s around to pick up)
Consider the notion that you are merely streetsmart, which isn’t paranoid these days - it’s warranted. One way to avoid too much fear is to turn off your television. It breeds unnecessary fear and worry both of which can be symptoms of boredom. Your creative side is begging for attention here.
Relax, take some long walks in the woods* and do something that makes you laugh. Tomorrow - learn to play an instrument. I know, I know… broken record. but…
- it’s relaxing
- it’s creative
- it’s soothing to others
4)it helps you to meet new people - gives you confidence
- gives others pleasure
- it is social when you make music with friends
8 ) good for your brainpower - drowns out screaming babies, barking dogs, and annoying parents
- it will put you in a meditative state ( more powerful than drugs) thus —> eliminating worry
*don’t forget your uzi.
Bess is right about the street smart thing. On the other hand, if you feel threatened by people in other situations, say in social situations where you’re being introduced to somebody for the first time, let’s say, then there’s something else going on. Maybe some insecurities that are causing you to perceive others as threats.
That can be exhausting. Not only that, but people will begin to pick up on that, pick up on the mistrust you’re giving off. They’ll back away. Next thing you know you’re caught in a kind of cycle. You see people as threats, they feel that and withhold their friendship, and over time that possibility in itself becomes threatening. Then the insecurities grow even worse.
Break the cycle. Learn to trust.
i’m not sure i see others as threats, necessarily, but all that about people being a little distant does happen sometimes… especially with friends of mine that are girls (i’ve heard they are able to pick up on things like that more, so it could be the case i guess.) really when i meet someone for the first time it’s more that i’m shy than scared… i’m really awkward around people unless i’m good friends with them.
alright, well not to say that I’m any sort of autority on the matter, but it might be simple insecurities manifesting themselves in other ways. I think Bessy has a point with the television thing, but more along the lines of media outlets and the fact that nowadays we’re prone to hearing about attacks and death constantly, that can have effects on your ability to feel secure in alot of situations.
Try leaving yourself without any objects of defense and going out in a situation where you would generally have them with you, and see how you feel.
I would have to agree, I am shy, insecure, and distrustful in social settings. I know why though. I just have gotten so used to being this way I won’t change. I would avoid social gatherings like the plague if it were not for my husband, He is very gregarious. He drags me with him as often as he can. If you are young break the cycle quickly it will make you feel much better.
Fear is not paranoia, fear is a survival instinct that can assert itsself more in some then others. So it shows up in the way you look at new situations. I think you may just be cautious not paranoid.
Some people when afraid think aggressively, by attacking always prepared for a fight., some passive by running and hiding, some freeze and scream their darn fool heads off in a subconcious attempt to scare the thing that scared them.
I attack that which scares me, LOL no one in my family sneaks up on me, they have been on the receiving end of a fist. I do it by instinct I don’t even realize I have done it until afterwards it always happens too quick to stop it. That is fear manifesting its survival mode. I assure you its one mode I’d rather not have.
i understand how that is… i punched a racoon in the face once on a camping trip because it woke me up and i didn’t know what it was… lol
on the other hand, i love being in social situations (though i am not generally social unless it’s with friends i know very well). i love meeting new people, and i am never sure what to say, or anything, so i simply don’t talk. but it could just be that i have a fear of being attacked and it’s nothing more than that. i don’t know if that’s paranoia or not, but i’m attempting to make some kind of distinction i’m not aware of yet between paranoia and a phobia i just made up. 
I don’t think you are paranoid just defensive.
Ask yourself some questions and be honest to yourself.
Can I laugh at myself if I am caught doing or saying something foolish or stupid.
Am I comfortable with myself
Do I see myself as part of any crowd or as an outsider.
If I am different can I just be myself with out caring what others think
Can I get over being hurt and move on
Do I see everyone as an enemy
Is everyone out to hurt me
Are my family and friends just waiting to make me look like an idiot or hurt me.
I think you can figure out from your honest answers if you are paranoid or just socially shy and have built a defensive wall around yourself. You may just see yourself as socially clumsy and have created a wall or persona to inhibit feelings of fear of rejection or being hurt. Being prepared for a physical attack may be just an extension of fear of being hurt mentally due to shyness or feeling like an outsider.
i fear life…
for what reason?
the reason of existence,the ultimate question,the final answer.
the cause,and the effect.
the claimed and the prooven.
the lies and the truth.
the worship and the sacrifice.
i could continue,but it’s already pointless at the moment…
Do you think your being fearful of life is reasonable?
very,though understanding my position in life is another thing.
how do you justify a fear of life itself? is it simply a combination of a fear of a myriad of “what if’s” and a fear of socialization?
The human animal can be very deadly. Similar to you, when I walk into a parking lot, alone, with few around, my keys are in my hand, with the points sticking out. That is, I have never been attacked in a parking lot, actually never really been threatened except by my ex, but it does occur, so at least have pepper spray to protect yourself from a druggie or sociopath.
Hum, nope, generally, I tend to be too focused on what I am doing, and what I have to do in x amount of time, to really pay attention to those around me, albeit, I am very polite, if accidently bumping in to some poor soul while looking.
You are aware, Good. But do not live your life in fear, just be cautious.
Most humans are not bad critters, and are friendly bears.
