Whenever I feel like I’m being ridiculous, my boyfriend has a talent for helping me identify the valid logic that subconsciously drives my actions.
Like, I felt silly after packing twelve pairs of socks for a three-day trip. He didn’t see any problem with that, and reminded me that there’s no sock police. But I needed to understand my motivation before I could accept it.
It turns out that it’s sensory – I don’t know which length and weight of socks the weather will require each day, and the wrong kind will make me uncomfortable. To prevent that, I need four pairs per day.
But, I pointed out, that goes against the common advice to pack one pair of socks for each day of a trip, plus one or two spare pairs.
He compared that advice to mass-produced clothing – it fits most people reasonably well, and some people terribly.
So, if you feel silly for following your gut instead of common sense… I’m not saying that you should always go with your gut, but at least find someone who respects your gut enough to try to understand it.
That person could be you.