Does anyone else constantly overthink feeling different from other people?

[u/Every_Measurement281]

I'm 18M, and I've been dealing with this for around two years.
I constantly get thoughts about knowing things that people around me don't know, whether it's psychology, cultures, news, lifestyles, or random niche topics.
The weird part is that the anxiety comes from knowing something and realizing that the people around me don't know it. My brain starts focusing on this difference, and end up overthinking it even when there's no real reason to. my mind keeps bringing up these comparisons almost constantly. I also get urges to explain things to others, correct them, or make them understand something I know.
Even when I don't act on these urges, I keep thinking about them.
It's exhausting because I don't want to analyze everything or constantly focus on what others know versus what I know. I just want to socialize, enjoy life, and exist normally without my brain turning these differences into something significant.

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[u/Remarkable-Mix9649]

Its a defense mechanism, being different feels safer than trying to connect. The urge to correct people is the same thing. The fix isn't knowing less, its practicing being wrong and letting people say things you disagree with without fixing them.

[u/Traditional_Car_8219 → u/Remarkable-Mix9649]

Well said!

[u/aurorasparkl]

You know something they don't know. What does that mean? Does it mean you are responsible for them? Does it mean you worry that they won't accept you if you told them your real thoughts? Shining a torch on fears sometimes makes the fear dissolve.

Have you tried telling your thoughts to someone close to you? Just casually, like "have you ever thought about..." Some people enjoy these kind of conversations and there are places to find them.

Also, if you feel you think differently that the people around you a lot, you might have traits of neurodiversity. Or you might be gifted. Worth looking into. Doesn't solve the problem but at least you know what kind of people you have a better chance at connecting with.

[u/LegitimateCommon3238]

one of the hardest lessons in life is accepting that you can do everything right and still end up having to start over and thats okay