Acting strange in public

[Amianxious]

I don't know if it's just me but sometimes when I am out in public and think I am feeling ok I do strange things that drive my husband crazy. I will be walking along fine one minute taking the lead and then just suddenly slow down and expect him to take the lead ( often without me saying anything). It's like I have suddenly become too afraid to lead or say i don't know where i am going. I don't know why I do t speak up or have a 'real' reason for the change of tack. I will do the same thing boldly walking first into a new cafe/bar/restaurant but then sort of go off into some other planet lost in thought and don't communicate anything to my husband or dither about with the cafe worker. Is this normal? It's like I just lose focus on what I am doing.

[james1]

Hello amianxious,

Welcome to the forums!

What a question! I am not sure what is normal or what is not, but I think the most important thing is to ask whether your thoughts or behaviours are troubling you.

If it doesn't bother you and doesn't impede your ability to live life, then I don't see what is wrong with the thought or behaviour. I mean, to give an analogy, another strange behaviour would be to always wear a beanie inside out. I think most people would think it's a bit odd, but it wouldn't be something people worried about being abnormal because it's not hurting anyone.

That said, it sounds like these things are causing you to worry a bit, so it could be a matter of trying to understand what concerns you, and what is causing your behaviours. From what you've said, it seems you are not sure - have you ever spoken to anyone else about it to see if they can help you talk through it?

James

[missep123]

Hi Amianxious!

I agree with james1! If it doesn't bother you or negatively affect your life then I don't see what's wrong with the thought or behaviour either! I am glad that you posted though because I'm sure there are others who relate too!

Have you by chance spoken to a GP or mental health professional about this if it has been concerning you?

From my own experience if I pay too much attention to what I'm doing and I become nervous about how others are perceiving me I end up being clumsy because I feel like I'm putting a lot of pressure on myself!

Here for you!