Happy Friday my Lovelies!! Another work week is drawing to a very, very slow close and so has my first semester of doctoral work!! It’s been rough but I eked out decent showing given the extenuating circumstances. As I reflect on a milestone passed I have to address an irritation and common misconception about those of us who are students and lovers of Psychology.

Every time someone finds out that I am currently a Psychology student, that my undergrad degree is in Psychology, that my MBA focus was in Organizational Psych and Development I get accused of conducting psychoanalysis on folks!! This is BEYOND irritatin, it grinds my gears and I know I am not alone in this. Here’s a Public Service Announcement and one of my “Grinds My Gears” segments all rolled into one…

*Steps on stage, clears throat and taps mic*

It is time for another helpful PSA and a “Grinds My Gears” Moment.

Dear Resident of Planet Earth,

Although I love Psychology, I love delving into the biological basis of behavior and I dissect and analyze data, I don’t do any of these things to you. Quite frankly I don’t really care what is going on in your head unless you are my patient/client. No Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Psych student for that matter goes around trying to unravel the meaning of your life choices, the hidden gems behind your words nor do we make attempt to vault over the mental roadblocks you have placed up. We have enough issues of our own and don’t really care to take on additional ones. While I know you are important and your feelings do matter, when I ask you a question, there isn’t any hidden meaning behind it. Trust me, if I took the time out to actually psychoanalyze everyone who crossed my path, I would be haggard, delirious and in need of psychiatric help myself!! LOL Every time you meet a physician do you ask them if they are evaluating you for random maladies or disease? When you meet an Optometrist or Opthomologist, do you think they are wondering if you need corrective lenses and begin to flash cards at you asking, “Which is better? 1 or 2?”. When you meet an engineer at a house party, do you ask them if they are evaluating the structural integrity of the building? No, you don’t do any of these things. Why should those of us in Psychology be any different?

Maybe it is the fear of having someone in your head; maybe it is the fact that we sometimes answer questions with questions ( I won’t lie… I sometimes do this intentionally if the answer is so blatantly obvious or I just don’t feel like coming up with witty banter for you) or might have insight and see those things that you are trying to hide but are doing a horrible job of it. Truth of it is, even if we did see those things, we sure as heck aren’t going to bring them up! That would be just downright rude! So rest safe in the knowledge that I personally am not trying to tinker with your brain, I have no interest in manipulating you or changing your perception on life. I am just regular old me, who just so happens to be a brainiac (“The Madd Scientist” is what they have dubbed me at school for my love of empirical research and the ability to interpret it) and is your acquaintance/friend/co-worker/family member.

Thank you for your time and attention!

*drops mic and exits stage left*

There I am done with my soapbox speech and have come down off of my high horse. I should really work on my sarcastic tone and flippancy but in the words of Cartman, “Whateva, I do what I want!” LOL

Blessings & Happiness Always

T. Nicole