Obsessive Thoughts

[pjoa09]

Trying to put things once again into sense.

More of a rant that I am putting up and here because I need the mild interaction and the advice that I probably won't heed. Affirmation that such behavior is expected among people. At times I still do doubt my personality traits. They are very inconsistent.

Well that worked.

Now I can carry on to what is actually consistent and is malicious. Obsessive thoughts.

Once again, obsessive thoughts.

It's absolutely retarded. I am a bench racing tire kicker car enthusiast. I used to spend some of my free time on Sundays checking out modified cars in a used car lot that was specifically selling used modified cars.

I then had spotted a beautiful BMW E30 1988 coupe. At the time I was not aware of what I was staring at. It wasn't all that ready but I was very tempted to buy it. However as it was modified I resisted. It was powered by a nissan turbocharged motor, SR20DET. So I went off researching on it wildly. Learnt lots of things about SR20s and E30s. By the time I grew any testicles it was all long gone.

Frustrated and still a little nervous about engine swaps, I bought an all original 318i BMW E30 1992 sedan. It was all original but soon enough I decided that wasn't what I wanted. I wasn't quick enough. It was slow and the valves ticked like crap. Sold it.

I then found a car that topped the line, a grey SR20DET 1987 E30. We got the euro bumpers. I liked it a lot. But as I was allocating time and money to visit the person the car got sold.

This blew me up. I was sick with anger and frustration. As I had been chasing E30s for a year now. So I was punching and kicking for days.

It was rare and it still frustrates me. I am still punching walls occasionally when I think about it. It's been about 2 weeks now. I used to think about E30s a lot. Now I am just thinking about it all the time. I can't really pay attention to anything else.
Considering all the possibilities of taking another E30 and and sorting it out the way that E30 was. Considering other motors and trying to figure out weight distribution, the effects of bad weight distribution, where the engine sits,where it should sit for going weight distribution, power, power delivery, and all these ideas just rolling in and it's quite obsessive. I even sit around at grocery stores checking out BMW magazines trying to dig about E30s. I can spit out a slew of potential motor swaps for the E30. Watched nearly every single Youtube video of E30s.

Standing back and looking at all of this I can only wonder what the fuck is happening to me. I can't really give a damn about anything else. I have halted a lot of things I used to do. Losing weight and mild programming being the most effected. Just dead halt really.

Why is there so much commotion in my head over one 20 year old car that I am just prospecting on buying? Has anyone experienced this as well? Is it some sort of displacement effect? Compensation?

Edit : Holy shit this is long, tldr : Really obsessive thoughts on a desire to purchase a specific affordable car for over a year, obsession spiked uncontrollably recently. Anyone had that?

 

[Proletar]

Find one for a test-drive, then? Give that mofo model some of your extraverted intuition along with all this thinking maybe.

You know, like playing that Xbox at your friends house after reading about it for two years. Get sober and real about it.

 

[pjoa09]

Find one for a test-drive, then? Give that mofo model some of your extraverted intuition along with all this thinking maybe.

You know, like playing that Xbox at your friends house after reading about it for two years. Get sober and real about it.

Doing that today, trying to settle with a white one even though I was mad crazy about delphin grey.

I always wanted the x360 but I end up looking like a heroin addict once I touch the controller.

I am talking about heavy heavy thoughts though. Like I wake up in the morning debating SR20DET vs 1JZ-GTE in my head.

 

[mu is mu]

Yikes. I've had some very heavy bouts of obsessive thinking at times, but I don't perceive the word "obsession" to be strong enough to describe your situation. Have you considered counseling yet? Your case sounds extremely serious.

 

[pjoa09]

@mu is mu there is no disorder for it really. I tried researching on obsessive thoughts to no avail, Edward Kemper and Ted Bundy were the closest (although they thought of killing women and I thought of buying old cars).Judging from that it should not be a real disorder.

It's calmed down now. I didn't wake up thinking about it.

I am starting to think most can't relate to this level of obsession. I didn't even think I'd be asked to consider counseling !

How do you deal with yours? Or is it just you have act or it will leave you in misery?

 

[NinjaSurfer]

Writing out your thoughts
Is pretty therapeutic, for me at least
It's a good way to organize your mind
Which is otherwise a jumble of emotions
You might have difficulty identifying
Until you write them down
If you don't express your thoughts/feelings at all,
It can easily transform into anxiety or anger
I guess this might just be your way of expressing disappointment?

 

[pjoa09]

@NinjaSurfer By obsessing over it? Well I just wrote it all out. I even expressed this on my blog several times. I have even drawn a transformer E30 the cartoon transformer.

Fuck yeah I did! It's shitty but I always wondered how it would've looked like so I took bumblebee and replaced that Camaro front with a 3 series. No head though. I thought it'd look stupid with some dude popping out of the top. As you can see I am very proud of it.

 

[Polaris]

Spoiler

I don't usually like to give advice, but it sounds as if you are subconsciously punishing yourself for something.

I used to live with someone who was haunted by obsessive thoughts, and had this particular problem of not being able to make his mind up. He would go into obsessive loops trying to decide on simple things like clothing, what to do on weekends, or what to pick from a restaurant menu, for example. If he couldn't decide, he would go into panic-mode, and sometimes have complete break-downs. It ended up becoming so serious he couldn't get away from work at night as his obsessive thinking caused him to run up and down several floors checking doors, windows, computers, etc.

Spoiler

It sounds as if you are having similar issues with decisions, or am I completely off track?

Eventually he went to see a doctor and received some cognitive therapy and medication, which really helped.

He eventually went off the medication. He was well most of the time, but if he was tired, stressed or depressed, the obsessive thinking would come back. By that time he knew the triggers and symptoms and could arrest the loop before it got out of control.

Link (some interesting things here):

http://www.anxietycare.org.uk/docs/obsessionalthinkingonline.asp

 

[pjoa09]

@Polaris

Spoiler

I don't usually like to give advice, but it sounds as if you are subconsciously punishing yourself for something.

I do regret not buying one E30 that showed up for sale a while ago. I was supposed to buy it but I took it easy and focused on my slightly heavy workload. I just didn't hurry. That triggered the point where the thoughts have become way more invasive than they were. It was so disturbing I took the entire day off after learning about it.

I used to live with someone who was haunted by obsessive thoughts, and had this particular problem of not being able to make his mind up. He would go into obsessive loops trying to decide on simple things like clothing, what to do on weekends, or what to pick from a restaurant menu, for example. If he couldn't decide, he would go into panic-mode, and sometimes have complete break-downs. It ended up becoming so serious he couldn't get away from work at night as his obsessive thinking caused him to run up and down several floors checking doors, windows, computers, etc.

The 'someone' is definitely suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) but I am not. I can easily decide for most trivial things. I get hung up on big decisions mostly, career, university, house, and vehicles.

I do sometimes get paranoid if I think I forgot to lock the main door but it's never a really invasive thing. Just normal.

Spoiler

It sounds as if you are having similar issues with decisions, or am I completely off track?

Only one decision. It's not even an actual decision if I think about it. Simply put I am stalking the used car lot more than ever. Day and night. Just praying a better car shows up. Meanwhile obsessively considering other cars. Inherently it is desire for a particular car. I just restlessly can't stop thinking about it. I want to make that car better. And I am thinking all the ways I can and where to start. it's just eating my mind.

I have increasingly been hung up on the engine of choice. It's a light nissan 4 banger turbo vs. a heavy toyota straight 6 turbo since I considered the possibility. Its really difficult to choose.

Eventually he went to see a doctor and received some cognitive therapy and medication, which really helped.

He eventually went off the medication. He was well most of the time, but if he was tired, stressed or depressed, the obsessive thinking would come back. By that time he knew the triggers and symptoms and could arrest the loop before it got out of control.

Link (some interesting things here):

http://www.anxietycare.org.uk/docs/obsessionalthinkingonline.asp

‘Attempts at reassurance inspire the brain to automatically scan for any possible exceptions.’

This. Mostly.

After that it doesn't apply to me. I don't have difficulty throwing out bad thoughts. Don't do rituals.

 

[skip]

Prayer, exercise, Hatha yoga, meditation, CBT.

 

[Hadoblado]

I can relate to your obsessions only when there is a problem I need to solve. I will go to sleep thinking of different approaches and wake up recycling the ideas. You demonstrate a level of obsession that I cannot fathom, as you seem to already know what it is you are thinking about. If there are no unknowns, or scope for creativity, then I could not give a single fuck.

I guess this sort of obsession can be very useful, you would probably become what Malcolm Gladwell refers to as a 'Mavin' in your particular field.

I wonder what would happen now if the car of your dreams fell into your lap? Would you keep thinking obsessively about it or would it become old news? Thinking thoughts that don't progress does not seem at all healthy, particularly if you're an INTP or are of similar mind. Speaking of which, is it at all possible you have asperger's? They can possess INTP traits, and I still haven't met one without an strong obsession (butterflies, mechano/lego, and D&D out of the three I know personally).

 

[pjoa09]

@Hadoblado
In that view my problem would be "how to build the cheapest,fastest,comfortable,most attractive, and most exciting car for myself". I don't know why am I even addressing it as a problem. I am an INTP(most likely now) that is being lured by sensory activities. Don't want to stereotype MBTI but an ISTP would've jumped right in and not mangle himself between two motors and constantly debate over it.

There is quite some scope for creativity. The modifications. I don't want to go on and on about the stuff I have seen. Would be uselessly boring for anyone who isn't into this sort of stuff. I haven't lived with either engines. I don't know the effects on handling in all sorts of road courses, reliability,running costs, and etc.. If I could I would've bought both. Maybe I should do that. Buy one and then another.


Isn't the INTP stereotype a Maven? "A maven (also mavin) is a trusted expert in a particular field, who seeks to pass knowledge on to others." according to Wikipedia. I didn't even know who Malcolm Gladwell was until now. Not trying to sound a little bit of an extremist but we are all supposed to be Mavens in the Hebrew definition? I don't think I am in Malcom's definition a Maven though. I could be in the future.


I'd take my dream car directly to the track. Drive it and see what I don't like about it. Then fix that. Worship it a bit. Tinker with it. Enjoy driving it on good empty roads. I can predict that the experience will be a little short. It won't be that much rewarding but I have an irrational desire for the car. I'd then move on to a next car maybe. The car would be quick. I am talking 6 seconds to 60 at least.

Isn't being INTP just mild Asperger's on its own? I do actually tick on almost all (I have some empathy) the symptoms. But the fact that I've managed to go so far without being even diagnosed with it seems a little far fetched. Not going to debate it yet because that might just go on forever. But it is provocative. Asperger's does stand a possibility. Even a mild Asperger's of some sort.

 

[NinjaSurfer]

just learn to channel your obsessive energy into things that can either benefit yourself or humanity; obsessive thoughts are the same motivators that drive an Einstein to discover the theory of relativity... and other such impossible seeming inventions and theories... use your logical mind to shift your efforts into positive things versus self destructive ventures. You know what's good for you and you know what's bad for your health. Do what makes you happy though. If obsessing over a car or cars makes you happy, do it as long as it doesn't interfere with your health or well being.

I'm definitely a hypocrite though because my obsessions can sometimes turn self destructive and unhealthy but oh well...

do as I SAY and not as I DO!!!

 

[Coolydudey]

You may find exercise (I know, I hate it too) helpful, it has widespread and important effects on our brain. When I don't exercise (I normally do 1 hour twice a week) my behaviour changes a lot towards the negative side.

 

[Polaris]

...That triggered the point where the thoughts have become way more invasive than they were. It was so disturbing I took the entire day off after learning about it.

The 'someone' is definitely suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) but I am not. I can easily decide for most trivial things. I get hung up on big decisions mostly, career, university, house, and vehicles.

I do sometimes get paranoid if I think I forgot to lock the main door but it's never a really invasive thing. Just normal.

Yes, he did have OCD. Not saying you have it, but the 'invasive thoughts' bit sounded a bit scary. Now that you have explained that your obsessive thinking only extends to big decisions, I understand that it isn't perhaps as bad as you may think.

Only one decision. It's not even an actual decision if I think about it. Simply put I am stalking the used car lot more than ever. Day and night. Just praying a better car shows up. Meanwhile obsessively considering other cars. Inherently it is desire for a particular car. I just restlessly can't stop thinking about it. I want to make that car better. And I am thinking all the ways I can and where to start. it's just eating my mind.

I have increasingly been hung up on the engine of choice. It's a light nissan 4 banger turbo vs. a heavy toyota straight 6 turbo since I considered the possibility. Its really difficult to choose.

After reading this, my first question is: are these thoughts involuntary? As in; you cannot control the stream of thoughts? If your obsessive thinking is actually bothering you, can you stop it?

‘Attempts at reassurance inspire the brain to automatically scan for any possible exceptions.’

This. Mostly.

After that it doesn't apply to me. I don't have difficulty throwing out bad thoughts. Don't do rituals.

I see.

My last question would then be: do you think the obsessive thinking has reached a point where it is affecting you negatively?

Echoing NinjaSurfer, I don't think there is necessarily anything wrong with your behaviour... it is rather typical for me to become exceptionally obsessive about things that interest me, particularly stuff that relates to research. I get so hung up I forget to eat, sleep....even forget to take a piss, to put it bluntly. And yes, I can wake up in the morning and the first thought that hits me is concerning the topic of obsession, whatever that may be. This is periodic, and I snap out of it when I have grown tired/bored of the topic.

 

[pjoa09]

Yes, he did have OCD. Not saying you have it, but the 'invasive thoughts' bit sounded a bit scary. Now that you have explained that your obsessive thinking only extends to big decisions, I understand that it isn't perhaps as bad as you may think.

After reading this, my first question is: are these thoughts involuntary? As in; you cannot control the stream of thoughts? If your obsessive thinking is actually bothering you, can you stop it?

Now it's not actually. Now it's lingering at the back of my head. The irritating bit is when I wake up debating between two engines. It has calmed down significantly though. I do check around 6 times a day if there is another car. I think I should just really ditch my work for sometime and just give it all. Maybe I am burning out.

My last question would then be: do you think the obsessive thinking has reached a point where it is affecting you negatively?

Obsessions in general have a negative affect at least in a couple of areas. Often work or school. I made this thread at the time it had practically caused me to break down and just quit work because the angry rambling in my head wouldn't stop. I also damage property when I am angry so that was a concern.

Echoing NinjaSurfer, I don't think there is necessarily anything wrong with your behaviour... it is rather typical for me to become exceptionally obsessive about things that interest me, particularly stuff that relates to research. I get so hung up I forget to eat, sleep....even forget to take a piss, to put it bluntly. And yes, I can wake up in the morning and the first thought that hits me is concerning the topic of obsession, whatever that may be. This is periodic, and I snap out of it when I have grown tired/bored of the topic.

Well it's been a year since. It hasn't gone away. I have had the 'periodic' obsessions. I used to tinker with Slackware (Linux) and once ended up not sleeping for two days. I am going to have to engage with this peculiar obsession and see through as to what it could be. It's really made me do a lot of things that I would never do. I've called strangers and visited strange places.

@Coolydudey Used to do that. I still sometimes run the stairs. Helps a bit. But I just spend that time climbing as time to think.

@NinjaSurfer It is speculated that Einstein, Newton,Darwin, and Tesla were Aspies. I just learned that. But we will never know as they weren't officially tested and now are dead. The difficulty is focusing it on something productive. I have wasted much time on stupid things that don't even matter a flying fuck. Whereas I could be harnessing my mind on things that it was actually made for. Sorry for being a little extreme there. It's really annoying to not be able to apply it where you want to apply it. It's like a riding on a wild boar.

@Hadoblado Okay. I think I might be an Aspie. There are actually quite a scary amount of symptoms that I have. I read this and http://www.aspergers.com/aspcrit.html. I don't know if I fit criteria 4 though. I just stuttered a lot in childhood. Pretty much 80% I am an Aspie. The forum has car noise obsessed people too.

 

[mu is mu]

@It's calmed down now. I didn't wake up thinking about it.

@I am starting to think most can't relate to this level of obsession. I didn't even think I'd be asked to consider counseling !

@How do you deal with yours? Or is it just you have act or it will leave you in misery?

@

Interestingly enough, I started to think obsessively after reading these two questions, entered into such a concentrated state of mind that I forgot that time existed while my conversation responses to family members were mostly aloof, and typed up a huge, detailed response that I've decided to save to another location.

I think INTPs are obsessive thinkers by nature. I think that these obsessive tendencies can be the cause of huge scientific discoveries, tremendous amounts of research, and all sorts of productive activities in relation to problem-solving, but I also think that we as INTPs and NTs in general can experience issues varying in seriousness when we don't have problems to obsess over and solve or things to research. Our obsessive brains may find something else for us to obsess over, which may be self-harming at times (and I can't help but recall now that almost my entire life, even from a young age, has been marked with obsessive tendencies--whether the objects of obsession were video game systems, as someone else mentioned, or debates, road curvature, nuclear technology, philosophical concepts, ducks, lizards, linguistic tendencies in various people, vortexes, and even running shoes). Maybe I'm wrong, but I think that this negative type of obsession is happening to you right now--your obsessive mind has latched onto a very strange object of obsession and so has been perverted from a strength to a harmful agent.

As for how I cope with it... Well, since I'm basically bound to be obsessing over something, I try my best to make sure it's something I find interesting. There are always interesting books or articles available to read, and every once in a while I'll make a personal breakthrough about some previously foreign concept. But if I absolutely can't avoid a series of obsessive thought processes that I find undesirable, I just outlast the thoughts. Usually the degree of my obsession is only light or moderate throughout the day at work and school, but occasionally I'll have a more serious, consuming obsession that is constantly fighting for the entirety of my conscious attention. Fortunately these are rare.

I hope you find relief, though, man. Maybe you can find some good books or websites to read. And no offense, but have you considered switching hobbies?">@

I'm pretty sure most people can't identify with that level of obsession because most people just don't think obsessively like we do. But my thoughts for your case were inclining towards counseling as an option because your obsession seems so potent and consuming that I don't believe the word "obsession" is strong enough to accurately describe it.

@How do you deal with yours? Or is it just you have act or it will leave you in misery?

@

Interestingly enough, I started to think obsessively after reading these two questions, entered into such a concentrated state of mind that I forgot that time existed while my conversation responses to family members were mostly aloof, and typed up a huge, detailed response that I've decided to save to another location.

I think INTPs are obsessive thinkers by nature. I think that these obsessive tendencies can be the cause of huge scientific discoveries, tremendous amounts of research, and all sorts of productive activities in relation to problem-solving, but I also think that we as INTPs and NTs in general can experience issues varying in seriousness when we don't have problems to obsess over and solve or things to research. Our obsessive brains may find something else for us to obsess over, which may be self-harming at times (and I can't help but recall now that almost my entire life, even from a young age, has been marked with obsessive tendencies--whether the objects of obsession were video game systems, as someone else mentioned, or debates, road curvature, nuclear technology, philosophical concepts, ducks, lizards, linguistic tendencies in various people, vortexes, and even running shoes). Maybe I'm wrong, but I think that this negative type of obsession is happening to you right now--your obsessive mind has latched onto a very strange object of obsession and so has been perverted from a strength to a harmful agent.

As for how I cope with it... Well, since I'm basically bound to be obsessing over something, I try my best to make sure it's something I find interesting. There are always interesting books or articles available to read, and every once in a while I'll make a personal breakthrough about some previously foreign concept. But if I absolutely can't avoid a series of obsessive thought processes that I find undesirable, I just outlast the thoughts. Usually the degree of my obsession is only light or moderate throughout the day at work and school, but occasionally I'll have a more serious, consuming obsession that is constantly fighting for the entirety of my conscious attention. Fortunately these are rare.

I hope you find relief, though, man. Maybe you can find some good books or websites to read. And no offense, but have you considered switching hobbies?">@

Good. That must be a huge relief...

@I am starting to think most can't relate to this level of obsession. I didn't even think I'd be asked to consider counseling !

@How do you deal with yours? Or is it just you have act or it will leave you in misery?

@

Interestingly enough, I started to think obsessively after reading these two questions, entered into such a concentrated state of mind that I forgot that time existed while my conversation responses to family members were mostly aloof, and typed up a huge, detailed response that I've decided to save to another location.

I think INTPs are obsessive thinkers by nature. I think that these obsessive tendencies can be the cause of huge scientific discoveries, tremendous amounts of research, and all sorts of productive activities in relation to problem-solving, but I also think that we as INTPs and NTs in general can experience issues varying in seriousness when we don't have problems to obsess over and solve or things to research. Our obsessive brains may find something else for us to obsess over, which may be self-harming at times (and I can't help but recall now that almost my entire life, even from a young age, has been marked with obsessive tendencies--whether the objects of obsession were video game systems, as someone else mentioned, or debates, road curvature, nuclear technology, philosophical concepts, ducks, lizards, linguistic tendencies in various people, vortexes, and even running shoes). Maybe I'm wrong, but I think that this negative type of obsession is happening to you right now--your obsessive mind has latched onto a very strange object of obsession and so has been perverted from a strength to a harmful agent.

As for how I cope with it... Well, since I'm basically bound to be obsessing over something, I try my best to make sure it's something I find interesting. There are always interesting books or articles available to read, and every once in a while I'll make a personal breakthrough about some previously foreign concept. But if I absolutely can't avoid a series of obsessive thought processes that I find undesirable, I just outlast the thoughts. Usually the degree of my obsession is only light or moderate throughout the day at work and school, but occasionally I'll have a more serious, consuming obsession that is constantly fighting for the entirety of my conscious attention. Fortunately these are rare.

I hope you find relief, though, man. Maybe you can find some good books or websites to read. And no offense, but have you considered switching hobbies?">@

I'm pretty sure most people can't identify with that level of obsession because most people just don't think obsessively like we do. But my thoughts for your case were inclining towards counseling as an option because your obsession seems so potent and consuming that I don't believe the word "obsession" is strong enough to accurately describe it.

@How do you deal with yours? Or is it just you have act or it will leave you in misery?

@

Interestingly enough, I started to think obsessively after reading these two questions, entered into such a concentrated state of mind that I forgot that time existed while my conversation responses to family members were mostly aloof, and typed up a huge, detailed response that I've decided to save to another location.

I think INTPs are obsessive thinkers by nature. I think that these obsessive tendencies can be the cause of huge scientific discoveries, tremendous amounts of research, and all sorts of productive activities in relation to problem-solving, but I also think that we as INTPs and NTs in general can experience issues varying in seriousness when we don't have problems to obsess over and solve or things to research. Our obsessive brains may find something else for us to obsess over, which may be self-harming at times (and I can't help but recall now that almost my entire life, even from a young age, has been marked with obsessive tendencies--whether the objects of obsession were video game systems, as someone else mentioned, or debates, road curvature, nuclear technology, philosophical concepts, ducks, lizards, linguistic tendencies in various people, vortexes, and even running shoes). Maybe I'm wrong, but I think that this negative type of obsession is happening to you right now--your obsessive mind has latched onto a very strange object of obsession and so has been perverted from a strength to a harmful agent.

As for how I cope with it... Well, since I'm basically bound to be obsessing over something, I try my best to make sure it's something I find interesting. There are always interesting books or articles available to read, and every once in a while I'll make a personal breakthrough about some previously foreign concept. But if I absolutely can't avoid a series of obsessive thought processes that I find undesirable, I just outlast the thoughts. Usually the degree of my obsession is only light or moderate throughout the day at work and school, but occasionally I'll have a more serious, consuming obsession that is constantly fighting for the entirety of my conscious attention. Fortunately these are rare.

I hope you find relief, though, man. Maybe you can find some good books or websites to read. And no offense, but have you considered switching hobbies?

 

[pjoa09]

@mu is mu

Good. That must be a huge relief...



I'm pretty sure most people can't identify with that level of obsession because most people just don't think obsessively like we do. But my thoughts for your case were inclining towards counseling as an option because your obsession seems so potent and consuming that I don't believe the word "obsession" is strong enough to accurately describe it.

Yeah, I have decided. I am going to wait out for an SR20DET. If that means anything. That means waiting. I hate to wait. I still cringe over the fact that I missed out on the opportunity to buy an E30 I really wanted. Not to sound corny, but it showed up in my dreams.

I just try to imagine what if I was that much consumed by my job or something more useful. Would've helped a lot.

Interestingly enough, I started to think obsessively after reading these two questions, entered into such a concentrated state of mind that I forgot that time existed while my conversation responses to family members were mostly aloof, and typed up a huge, detailed response that I've decided to save to another location.

I think INTPs are obsessive thinkers by nature. I think that these obsessive tendencies can be the cause of huge scientific discoveries, tremendous amounts of research, and all sorts of productive activities in relation to problem-solving, but I also think that we as INTPs and NTs in general can experience issues varying in seriousness when we don't have problems to obsess over and solve or things to research. Our obsessive brains may find something else for us to obsess over, which may be self-harming at times (and I can't help but recall now that almost my entire life, even from a young age, has been marked with obsessive tendencies--whether the objects of obsession were video game systems, as someone else mentioned, or debates, road curvature, nuclear technology, philosophical concepts, ducks, lizards, linguistic tendencies in various people, vortexes, and even running shoes). Maybe I'm wrong, but I think that this negative type of obsession is happening to you right now--your obsessive mind has latched onto a very strange object of obsession and so has been perverted from a strength to a harmful agent.

That is exactly what I am wondering. What if I had used the obsessive thinking pattern on something more complex and important. I have had my share of obsession being used and abused. Often it is being abused. Or it's abusive in its own nature and I don't have the will power to focus it to something that actually matters. I spent much school time obsessing over infatuations, basketball, playing guitar, and eventually Linux. All of which were quite invasive and have ended only after every single window for that obsession to live in has been closed.

As for how I cope with it... Well, since I'm basically bound to be obsessing over something, I try my best to make sure it's something I find interesting. There are always interesting books or articles available to read, and every once in a while I'll make a personal breakthrough about some previously foreign concept. But if I absolutely can't avoid a series of obsessive thought processes that I find undesirable, I just outlast the thoughts. Usually the degree of my obsession is only light or moderate throughout the day at work and school, but occasionally I'll have a more serious, consuming obsession that is constantly fighting for the entirety of my conscious attention. Fortunately these are rare.

I hope you find relief, though, man. Maybe you can find some good books or websites to read. And no offense, but have you considered switching hobbies?

I am essentially trying to at least slow it down by trying to find other interests. But I can't really seem to be able to spark interest in what I used to sit through being entertained for hours. I think I'll try to stay off the internet at home. That is one way to starve the fire. I spend countless hours going over threads on R3Vlimited ( E30 focused site ). In time I could act on the obsessive thinking and really see what it is like. Meanwhile I could be doing something more productive like learning to program, build a website, or just read a decent book. Something to dwell into and not find myself banging against the same damn wall with, metaphorically speaking. Unfortunately, it takes a long time for me to outlast a desire. In fact, I was infatuated with a girl once and it took me a bizarre 8 or 9 months to forget about her entirely. I had only met her once! It just lingers if it is not fulfilled. But that is mostly a different story and I had made a thread about that one somewhere around here already.

 

[GeneralPatton]

I get the same way from time to time, and cars are what I have spent my life screwing with and working on. Quite frankly, you'll never get your "dream" car because in your mind it could always get better. I've built them from the ground up, and bought them ready to go. I still kick my own ass 7 years later for not buying a mustang that was at my shop for two weeks. Rarely have I since seen a car built so well. You won't get over it till you get one and either love it or hate it. Buy one, sink your time into it, and see how you fare.

 

[pjoa09]

I get the same way from time to time, and cars are what I have spent my life screwing with and working on. Quite frankly, you'll never get your "dream" car because in your mind it could always get better. I've built them from the ground up, and bought them ready to go. I still kick my own ass 7 years later for not buying a mustang that was at my shop for two weeks. Rarely have I since seen a car built so well. You won't get over it till you get one and either love it or hate it. Buy one, sink your time into it, and see how you fare.

Same here except I was able to spot a better car after six months. At first I was checking out a damn good looking 325i E30, probably it was an import. No rust whatsoever, had been repainted to a custom grey. SR20 in it with an aftermarket turbo. Really classy. I had some issues though. It had a roll cage in it so it couldn't be daily driven at the time and I don't like sun roofs. They are heavy,useless, and steal headroom.

Only after 6 months later I spotted an original Delphin Grey, no rust, stock SR20, no sunroof, and it was a classy m-tech 1 euro bumper pre-1988. It was a bit wobbly. The build itself wasn't great but it was a damn good setup. All I was looking for, don't know why I let that go.Work was neck high at the time.

 

[GeneralPatton]

Some of the best options in life to solve our wants tend to always come at the most inconvienent times. I've experienced that one time to many. If I was to invent a time machine, i'll be damned if I'd bother myself with the problems of the world, I'd be content just to buy the few cars I let slip away.....

 

[pjoa09]

Some of the best options in life to solve our wants tend to always come at the most inconvienent times. I've experienced that one time to many. If I was to invent a time machine, i'll be damned if I'd bother myself with the problems of the world, I'd be content just to buy the few cars I let slip away.....

Something I contemplated once. Get a record from the police to where that car is from the number plate. Best yet, hit up all the forums. I am sure it's an enthusiasts build. But yeah, you'd be paying crazy for being crazy.

Judging from my experience, I think I'll find something better in 8 months or so. It is a long time but buying a car you don't want and hoping to turn it into something you want is a mistake.

By the way, my obsession has calmed down a lot. Pretty much diluting to other areas.

 

[GeneralPatton]

That mustang I spoke of, some 8-10 months later a customer of my wifes (she's in insurance) who is also a mustang finatic, was at a Fun Ford Weekend at Myrtle Beach and posted some photos of cars he liked there, and lo and behold there was the car I had wanted to buy. I had her message him and find the owner asking where he had purchased it. The guy seemed kinda leery of such questions, but the fact that I knew the numbers off the Dyno sheet in the trunk, and all the little hidden add-ons in the car convinced him that I had been behind the wheel. I could have bought it for $28k, this putz payed $41k. Not that it wasn't worth it, I was more pissed that I wasn't the one who sold it to him.

 

[pjoa09]

That mustang I spoke of, some 8-10 months later a customer of my wifes (she's in insurance) who is also a mustang finatic, was at a Fun Ford Weekend at Myrtle Beach and posted some photos of cars he liked there, and lo and behold there was the car I had wanted to buy. I had her message him and find the owner asking where he had purchased it. The guy seemed kinda leery of such questions, but the fact that I knew the numbers off the Dyno sheet in the trunk, and all the little hidden add-ons in the car convinced him that I had been behind the wheel. I could have bought it for $28k, this putz payed $41k. Not that it wasn't worth it, I was more pissed that I wasn't the one who sold it to him.

How are you so sure he put down $41k? You met the guy who sold it to him? I am pretty sure the owner would exaggerate when he needs to really get rid of it things can take a pretty big turn. I've been watching a car consistently drop from $6k to $4k, it's just ridiculous value now. I can't buy it, 700 miles north and I don't like most of the mods (its a single turbo 1JZ though). But yeah, most of the cars appeal sits in the price and your perceived value. From then on it's 'screw this', 'screw that' , 'he must be dreaming' when you are looking for cars.

But damn those mustangs are expensive. My dream car is $5-$6k at best!

 

[GeneralPatton]

How are you so sure he put down $41k? You met the guy who sold it to him? I am pretty sure the owner would exaggerate when he needs to really get rid of it things can take a pretty big turn. I've been watching a car consistently drop from $6k to $4k, it's just ridiculous value now. I can't buy it, 700 miles north and I don't like most of the mods (its a single turbo 1JZ though). But yeah, most of the cars appeal sits in the price and your perceived value. From then on it's 'screw this', 'screw that' , 'he must be dreaming' when you are looking for cars.

But damn those mustangs are expensive. My dream car is $5-$6k at best!

Well this one was expensive for good reason. I had been vastly improved. A bulletproof block with forged crank, rods and pistons, stage 3 ported AFR heads with all the goodies (titanium retainers etc) and a 2.3L kenne bell blowzilla eaton/roots style blower. Then you had all the rest, the fuel system, suspension, paint, interior, and trick shit. The guy I knew that had it was a wholesaler, and he sold it to a dealer for $35 so when the guy said $41 I figures that $6k markup was reasonable considering it was transported to SC and given dealer markups. The bastard made 777HP and in the hands of a talented driver 1, 2, 3, and 4th would walk sideways down the road. I even drove a cop friend of mine in it and scared him shitless. The more I think about it the more I really kick my own ass for not buying it.

 

[pjoa09]

Well this one was expensive for good reason. I had been vastly improved. A bulletproof block with forged crank, rods and pistons, stage 3 ported AFR heads with all the goodies (titanium retainers etc) and a 2.3L kenne bell blowzilla eaton/roots style blower. Then you had all the rest, the fuel system, suspension, paint, interior, and trick shit. The guy I knew that had it was a wholesaler, and he sold it to a dealer for $35 so when the guy said $41 I figures that $6k markup was reasonable considering it was transported to SC and given dealer markups. The bastard made 777HP and in the hands of a talented driver 1, 2, 3, and 4th would walk sideways down the road. I even drove a cop friend of mine in it and scared him shitless. The more I think about it the more I really kick my own ass for not buying it.

Pffft... 770 horsepower... my civic would... lol


$6k in mark-up. what.

That is madness.

I think you could build one of your own!

Have you tried thinking through the value? It's so odd that true beauties are found in really dodgy places. I spotted one at a used car lot and it wasn't even officially for sale! It didn't even show up on the internet. The other was in a shed behind a Buddhist temple. Well it had a 5-lug swap,M-tech1 kit, SR20 swap, rear drums to rear disc swap, R32 skyline brakes, stiffer suspension,aftermarket sport seats(wonderful), aftermarket keyless entry, the ac blew cold air(rare) and lots of boost gauges(a bit annoying). The main appeal was its color,year, and body. That is essentially what I can't make myself.

I am just stalking the internet for a local white or delphin grey E30 with an SR20 now. Like whatever good shows up I'd take it and do the rest myself. I don't intend on buying one completely modified. I am looking to build it up to 300 whp max. I am not interested in doing 5th gear burnouts with an E30. Supra hell yes! We don't have V8s here so we tend to get Japanese turbocharged motors for big power.

 

[GeneralPatton]

I'm a bit old school when it comes to cars. I prefer the old adage, "there is no replacement for displacement." My wife currently drives a 2007 Cherokee SRT8 with the 6.1L HEMI. It's pretty fun, and there is little on the road that messes with it although she rarely uses it to its full potential.

I drive an old 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII. I like the air suspension that lowers itself at 55 for aerodynamic purposes, plus it has the equivalent of the 1998 Mustang Cobra for a motor, pulling 300hp (which is quite meager these days, but back in 98 that was a good bit) I actually bought it from a friend down in Tampa FL. Only had 88k on the clock when I got it, which was 4 or 5 years ago (longest time I've ever owned a single car) and now it's sitting on 113K.

Mentioning you can only get turbo stuff, you must be in Europe as that tends to be their forte.

 

[mu is mu]

That is exactly what I am wondering. What if I had used the obsessive thinking pattern on something more complex and important. I have had my share of obsession being used and abused. Often it is being abused. Or it's abusive in its own nature and I don't have the will power to focus it to something that actually matters. I spent much school time obsessing over infatuations, basketball, playing guitar, and eventually Linux. All of which were quite invasive and have ended only after every single window for that obsession to live in has been closed.

This is interesting. My experience in life has been very similar to this. It's odd how similar INTPs can be to each other considering that we spend so much of our lives acutely aware of how different we tend to be from nearly everyone around us.

I am essentially trying to at least slow it down by trying to find other interests. But I can't really seem to be able to spark interest in what I used to sit through being entertained for hours. I think I'll try to stay off the internet at home. That is one way to starve the fire. I spend countless hours going over threads on R3Vlimited ( E30 focused site ). In time I could act on the obsessive thinking and really see what it is like. Meanwhile I could be doing something more productive like learning to program, build a website, or just read a decent book. Something to dwell into and not find myself banging against the same damn wall with, metaphorically speaking.

That sounds like a good idea.

Unfortunately, it takes a long time for me to outlast a desire. In fact, I was infatuated with a girl once and it took me a bizarre 8 or 9 months to forget about her entirely. I had only met her once! It just lingers if it is not fulfilled. But that is mostly a different story and I had made a thread about that one somewhere around here already.

That's strange--I've had almost identical experiences several times beginning at age 11 all the way until last year, but evidently I've learned how to extinguish these types of obsessive infatuations as I've aged. I hope you manage to find relief from these as well, because they can be deceptive, unrealistic, and just plain aggravating.

 

[pjoa09]

@GeneralPatton

I'm a bit old school when it comes to cars. I prefer the old adage, "there is no replacement for displacement." My wife currently drives a 2007 Cherokee SRT8 with the 6.1L HEMI. It's pretty fun, and there is little on the road that messes with it although she rarely uses it to its full potential.

I drive an old 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII. I like the air suspension that lowers itself at 55 for aerodynamic purposes, plus it has the equivalent of the 1998 Mustang Cobra for a motor, pulling 300hp (which is quite meager these days, but back in 98 that was a good bit) I actually bought it from a friend down in Tampa FL. Only had 88k on the clock when I got it, which was 4 or 5 years ago (longest time I've ever owned a single car) and now it's sitting on 113K.

Mentioning you can only get turbo stuff, you must be in Europe as that tends to be their forte.

Thailand actually, Japanese is the norm here. For most road applications cars are perfectly fine with 1L-2L motors. Only car enthusiasts seek out old turbocharged Japanese motors. The most common ones being the SR20DET,1JZ-GTE, and 2JZ-GTE.

I currently ride in a 2007 Camry 2.0 . It's very reliable and drives smooth but has 155 hp. At least it isn't heavy, I am guessing 1.5 tonnes. Was bought as new which may sound stupid to an American but no one here likes to deal with old technology.

In that respect, trying to buy a 1987 BMW was met with intense criticism.

I do admire LS1s. They sit quite back by nature and provide flat power. But it's not in my car culture and as a result just don't fit. I am more thrilled by turbocharged inlines. They are native here.

@mu is mu

This is interesting. My experience in life has been very similar to this. It's odd how similar INTPs can be to each other considering that we spend so much of our lives acutely aware of how different we tend to be from nearly everyone around us.

I have actually noticed obsessive traits in my brother as well. He really can get fixated on making something work. But he never goes to the depths that I go to. A friend of mine is also completely obsessed with cars. It's always reasonable to some extent with them. I think it's the introverted thinking that can create massive loops in the thought process. As we seek clarity in our decision we just try to , metaphorically, compulsively rub out that little dirt under stress. Small details become the entity and the big picture is completely ignored.

That sounds like a good idea.

Damn straight! Works. I think introverted thinking itself is too strong to be comfortably entertained by too few facts.

That's strange--I've had almost identical experiences several times beginning at age 11 all the way until last year, but evidently I've learned how to extinguish these types of obsessive infatuations as I've aged. I hope you manage to find relief from these as well, because they can be deceptive, unrealistic, and just plain aggravating.

Yeap, that was the last of them. I don't know how to deal with them. I just stay away from parties for the most part. It's quite easy now as I am out of school and I always develop an interest in something. Infatuations are traumatic, mind consuming, and emotionally damaging experiences. Especially when trying to come in terms with the fact that the attraction isn't mutual.

 

[GeneralPatton]

I'd be that kid in the fast and furious tokyo drift that had the mustang, but I could never put a foreign engine in it.

 

[pjoa09]

I'd be that kid in the fast and furious tokyo drift that had the mustang, but I could never put a foreign engine in it.

I agree. That was dumb. In theory too. Weight distribution was crap. He had a long iron block sitting well over the front wheels. RB26s aren't that reliable either.

 

[Polaris]

I can practically smell the engine oil in here.....

Spoiler

Btw, the 1968 Ford Mustang is my favourite car.

 

[mu is mu]

@mu is mu

I have actually noticed obsessive traits in my brother as well. He really can get fixated on making something work. But he never goes to the depths that I go to. A friend of mine is also completely obsessed with cars. It's always reasonable to some extent with them. I think it's the introverted thinking that can create massive loops in the thought process. As we seek clarity in our decision we just try to , metaphorically, compulsively rub out that little dirt under stress. Small details become the entity and the big picture is completely ignored.

This strikes an eerie degree of solidarity with me. I think your description of the looping tendencies of Ti as well as its sometimes disproportional focus on certain details is very accurate--or at least it accurately describes what has been my personal experience. It's definitely an obsessive type of thinking, but yet not OCD... so strange.

Damn straight! Works. I think introverted thinking itself is too strong to be comfortably entertained by too few facts.

Agreed.

Yeap, that was the last of them. I don't know how to deal with them. I just stay away from parties for the most part. It's quite easy now as I am out of school and I always develop an interest in something. Infatuations are traumatic, mind consuming, and emotionally damaging experiences. Especially when trying to come in terms with the fact that the attraction isn't mutual.

@ the last two sentences: yuck. Well, I hope that if you do come across "love interests" (for lack of a better word) in the future, you find methods of coping with those inclinations towards obsessive infatuations. As I've matured my standards for a spouse have changed significantly, have become more realistic and logical, and have dramatically narrowed my dating pool; consequently my infatuation tendencies almost never activate, although they will begin to stir on the very rare occasions in which I do spot someone who coincides with my standards. I think infatuation is just a potential weak point for INTPs because of our often hyperactive, yet vivid, imaginations, but I perceive from my experience that we can learn how to subdue this tendency as we mature.

 

[pjoa09]

This strikes an eerie degree of solidarity with me. I think your description of the looping tendencies of Ti as well as its sometimes disproportional focus on certain details is very accurate--or at least it accurately describes what has been my personal experience. It's definitely an obsessive type of thinking, but yet not OCD... so strange.

I am still putting my bets on very mild autism. I just think I have a mild case of Asperger's so it never got noticed. Hadoblado did point it out. I have to agree. It could very likely be autism but very very low on the autism scale. Thus, it's never noticed without introspection.

@ the last two sentences: yuck. Well, I hope that if you do come across "love interests" (for lack of a better word) in the future, you find methods of coping with those inclinations towards obsessive infatuations. As I've matured my standards for a spouse have changed significantly, have become more realistic and logical, and have dramatically narrowed my dating pool; consequently my infatuation tendencies almost never activate, although they;. will begin to stir on the very rare occasions in which I do spot someone who coincides with my standards. I think infatuation is just a potential weak point for INTPs because of our often hyperactive, yet vivid, imaginations, but I perceive from my experience that we can learn how to subdue this tendency as we mature.

I haven't really. Not much room for trial and error on the dating area. So I just put them all aside for now. I hope it's not destroying me! I haven't even scraped the surface. I am very much a hermit. So talking to females is quite damn difficult.

I mean 'realistic' isn't exactly the word. I'd take 'accepting' as the word. Even if you were dating the prettiest girl in the world it would fall apart if you never shared thoughts and beliefs. You'd be infuriated by them.