You Study Psychology? Guess what I’m thinking right now!

While many find it strange as to why I chose to major in psychology, I myself find strange people's reactions toward my field of interest; this usually ranging from a supportive approval of sorts, to a perplexed curiosity, to utter absurdity. Every once a while when mentioning my major I am greeted with "Ah yes, psychology... that is a very interesting field". Yet the more familiar response is "Really? Can you tell me what I'm thinking of right now?"

To what I would really love to say is "Of course not, you halfwit? I said Psych-ol-o-gy! Not MAGIC!" Naturally I would not, but instead would pass it off with a sheepish smile. Still, it troubles me; why do people so instantaneously react this way? Psychology - Psych (meaning "mind") and ology (meaning "the study of") simply means that - the study of the human mind. And the way I see it, understanding our fellow humans is, and should be, the most important aspect of our lives. After all our lives involve interacting with our parents, children, friends, colleagues and even strangers on a daily basis. We experience a wide range of emotions like happiness when we fall in love and marry, or sadness when we lose a loved one, or anger at the boss for not giving us that promotion we so deserved! So it shouldn't be strange that I chose this field out of a pure interest to understand people's thoughts, emotions and the reasons why they do the things they do.

Perhaps it is this popular misconception that all psychologists trace human behavior to people's sexual relationships with their parents that deters people from this field. Well, I am not here to advocate that Freudian mumbo-jumbo. Neither am I here to debate psychological theory, or baffle you with jargon. Why? For the simple reason that the study of the human mind isn't, and shouldn't be seen as mystifying. Understanding, or at least dealing with human thoughts, emotions and behaviors is a part of our everyday lives, whether it is another person's or our own. Additionally, our media is filled with news reports, magazine articles, books, movies and TV shows - be it an article regarding dating tips, a book on self-development, reality shows like Dr. Phil, or fiction TV like Hannibal and Lie To Me - all of which we can personally relate with, or fiction which pique our interest into the strangeness of the human psyche.

So no, I am not here to read your mind, psychoanalyze your "sexual relationship with your parents" or even claim that whatever I write here today and in future, is the absolute answer to knowing your fellow human being. It is not. Psychology is a science, and science is a work in progress. Instead these writings will be dedicated to presenting you facts about the potential of the human mind as well as the fascinating findings scientists have long sought out for. More importantly, I hope to arouse your interest into the craziness of the mind, provide you with insightful ideas and even get you to challenge these posts. With that in mind, I would like to wish you all a Good Day and Good Mental Health!