It is “That Deep”
January 15th, 2025
Writer: Dani Cohen
Editor: Ella Sanor
"You're overthinking"—that’s something I hear from the people I'm close to a handful of times each day. And yes, they're right. I am overthinking. I tend to dive deep into thoughts and emotions, and while some might see that as a flaw, I’m not ashamed of it. In fact, I’m proud of it. This depth of thought and feeling allows me to connect with others on a deep level. It gives me the ability to empathize, to see the world in a richer way, and to understand people in ways that aren't always obvious. Sure, it can be overwhelming at times, but I have learned that I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
All my life, I've been a thinker. Not just about my own experiences, but about the people in my life, their moods, their behaviors, the little things they say or don't say. Friends, family, love interests, even people I just met—I like to analyze them, to understand their emotions. I connect with others through understanding what's going on beneath the surface. It's not always easy. Sometimes, I wish I could turn off this constant need to read everything, but then I remind myself that I wouldn’t feel as close to people, nor would I be able to offer the support they need, even when they don’t know how to ask for it.
For me, it’s in the small shifts in how people act, their energy, the way they carry themselves, or just the little things they do. It happens often, this feeling that something’s off, even when no one else seems to notice. It might be a subtle change in their mood, a quick glance, or a pause in their voice that others brush off, but I can’t ignore it.
While I have grown to appreciate and understand this aspect of my personality, there are times when It feels difficult to control. When I’m hanging out with friends, I try to stay in the moment and enjoy our time together, but once someone acts out of character, it sticks with me. I can’t let it go. Then, I start replaying it over and over: Did I say something wrong? Am I annoying them? Did that conversation mean as much to them as it did to me?
When I point it out to others, I usually get the same response: “You’re overthinking. It’s not that deep.” Maybe they’re right, but to me, it is that deep. I’m not just seeing what’s on the surface; I’m picking up on what’s left unsaid. I can tell when something’s bothering someone, even if they don’t talk about it.
For me, overthinking isn’t a burden; it’s a gift. It’s how I connect with the people around me, understanding them in different ways. So, when they tell me I’m overthinking, usually in a dismissive or negative way, I smile. Maybe I am, but that’s part of what makes me, well, me. Maybe they’re right—maybe it isn’t that deep, but then again, what if it’s even deeper?
