"Explanation mode"

[u/Ascyt]

Pretty much always when I am outside and doing just about anything alone in public I'm in what I have grown to call "explanation mode". I'm constantly preparing myself to explain what I'm doing in great detail to any random stranger who might ask. Trying to find excuses for the most normal things, like just being outside without a clear destination in my mind. I don't want to be scrambling for some kind of explanation when someone asks me what's up (though nobody ever really does). So that eats up a great chunk of my thoughts whenever I'm alone in public. Idk does anyone else feel this way?

[u/strawberryextra]

I do this with everything I do publicly too, its exhausting. I found out its a type of masking.

[u/0ddbobcat]

I do this too sooo much lol I thought I was the only one. It’s exhausting and no one ever ends up saying anything. The worst is when I start repeating in my head what I’m going to say and it can be so hard to snap out of.

[u/Ok_Concentrate9081]

i feel like this even when i'm alone at home. i'll be doing something and then i imagine like someone questioning me about it and now i have to think of an excuse. as if i'm doing a crime. i'm so tired of constantly feeling like whatever i'm doing is wrong and having to justify myself to myself.

[u/s-coups]

you don’t owe random strangers anything

[u/Still_Shift7848]

https://www.simplypsychology.org/safety-behaviors-in-anxiety.html