By: Symone Conway
Social media’s recent infatuation and the growing popularity of the word delusional has taken over the personality of many. Girls embrace this quirky little feeling, even giving it the nickname of being delulu. To understand this phenomena, lets first talk about the actual definition of the word:
“Characterized by or holding false beliefs or judgments about external reality that are held despite incontrovertible evidence to the contrary, typically as a symptom of a mental condition.”- from Oxford Languages
Girls often use the term “delulu” to reference how they may feel about a person that isn’t really their partner, or a crush that they have not even spoken to but are deeply “in love” with. It is just a fun way to entertain one’s life and have something to laugh about. While the term delusional usually has a negative connotation associated with it, almost being a synonym for mentally deranged or crazy, it can actually be very helpful in my opinion.
How is being delulu a solulu (solution):
Rejects negativity:
- being delusional allows one to object what may be the harsh truth of a situation and view it in a skewed light that brings them more internal peace.
Encourages positivity and optimism:
- allows one to live in a semi-false reality that fits the happier narrative they would like to live.
Protects one’s from painful emotional encounters:
- rather than being sad, being delusional masks the pain reality would have made one feel.
Positively affects happiness:
- those that do not accept a situation for what it may be do not experience the damaging effects it can have on their emotions.
Good for the plot of one’s lifestyle:
- the plot of a movie is supposed to be entertaining. as one navigates their life, they should also want interesting, exciting things to experience.
Psychology Today even noted in a 2011 article that “Psychoogists have long known the importance of being delusional. According to Taylor and Brown, for instance, delusional people have higher levels of well-being—that is, happiness— than those who are not delusional”.
In short, being delusional has mental health benefits. It promotes optimism, and who wouldn’t want to see life from the brighter side?
Psychology Today article link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sapient-nature/201105/delusion-productivity-and-success