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CAU | Wellness

How to Stop Creating Imaginary Scenarios with Someone Who Isn’t Yours

Emily Cain Student Contributor, Clark Atlanta University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CAU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

We’ve all got that one person we’ve built an entire romcom with in our head based on one

conversation we had with them. It’s a harmless gesture you make, but then it gradually gets

intense to the point it feels real.

Why we create them

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Slumber Cloud

As humans, we think about the “possibility” of someone rather than what’s happening in present

time. Sometimes we do this to fill a gap that’s not being fulfilled with them. The thought of

creating fake scenarios of this person can be safer, as we’re portraying someone to be how we

want them to be in our minds.

Signs you’re doing it

Sometimes you’ll imagine dates or conversations that actually never happened in the first place.

The bare minimum of their actions will have your brain spiraling and creating more instances of

what you wished happened in real time.

Why it’s seen as a problem

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Original Illustration by Sketchify in Canva

Creating different scenarios about your situationship can be a problem because then you build

certain expectations of them that they never aligned with in the first place. If they don’t do the

actions you portrayed in your head, it can make you feel down or disappointed that what

they’re doing in present time isn’t what you hoped for in your head. It can make you upset that

the person you imagine them to be isn’t actually being portrayed in person, which can make you

feel very upset.

How to stop yourself from creating imaginary scenarios about someone

The first step is to acknowledge what they’ve actually done for you rather than making the

assumptions of what you wish they’d do for you. Create boundaries within yourself to not let the

bare minimum make you think they’re the one. Communicate clearly with the person rather than

expecting them to do something you want them to do. Learn how to focus on yourself and what

you want to accomplish versus a person who isn’t trying to “accomplish” you.

Remember it’s normal

At the end of the day, it’s normal to daydream and build on your imagination about someone.

However, don’t let these “imaginations” get to you and expect your situationship to fulfill what

you may want them to do in your mind. Remember to focus on yourself and your goals, as you

are the prize.

Emily Michelle Cain is a Sophomore Mass Media Arts with a concentration in Public Relations who attends Clark Atlanta University. Emily is from Prince George’s County, MD, a suburb of Washington, DC. She came to Atlanta to pursue a future career in journalism and media. Emily’s passion for writing began in her 11th grade English class where she was challenged to push her writing to new limits. Due to her teacher's strong belief in her writing potential, she was inspired to give creative writing a try.

In the future Emily plans to be a world renown journalist through sports and entertainment. She plans on having her own television show one day to inspire young Black girls like herself. Growing up Emily discovered a lack of diversity in the world of journalism and media and wants to break the glass ceiling, so others can follow.

Emily is currently a member of NABJ, NCWN, and an editorial writer for Her-Campus CAU. In Emily’s free time she loves going shopping, reading different articles on current events, and making TikToks. Emily believes that you should always prioritize your well being and always live in the moment. Emily’s main goal in life is to inspire people to do what they love.