Why do you think it's easier for people to speak about their obsessions by putting them into metaphors?

Question

Why do you think it's easier for people to speak about their obsessions by putting them into metaphors?

Answer 1

becouse there is no good formal language...and metaphors are good expression of this fact

Answer 2

so its not actually saying them and it lets you look through another perspective and lets you see what else it is like..

Answer 3

Well, for some people it isn't easier...first they have to find a metaphor & then they have to figure out how to get those obsessions into it!

Answer 4

This depends on the obsession and the person, of course:

Obsessions reach into you, and take a firm hold.  They come with a lot of different emotions - sometimes conflicting, and usually complicated.  It's nearly impossible to explain so the other person will fully understand all the facets of the obsession, and understand WHY you're obsessed in the first place.  (Justification is a tricky thing!)  Metaphors exist to make it easier to explain pretty much anything (obsessions, theories, abstracts, etc).

Also, sometimes you don't want to voice an obsession out loud.  For example, you might be ashamed, embarrassed, don't want to admit it to yourself, or don't want someone else judging you.  Using a metaphor allows you to talk about the obsession, but not admit to anything concrete (to yourself or others).  Let the other person think you're talking about something else!  If they catch on and confront you about the obsession, you can legitimately say "that's not what I said".

Answer 5

Depends on the obsession.  I don't think they're really obsessed over something if they're too embarrased to talk about it.  Mind you obsessions fall in line with infatuations and what not..

Answer 6

That's sophistication,  isn't it?  Say one thing and mean another...if you caught on...fine...otherwise nobody loses face!

Answer 7

so people will understand exactly how you feel

Answer 8

I wish I knew how it's easy for them to talk about it at all!

Answer 9

It is more sophisticated than saying "I have a friend who has this problem"

I think it is also an effort to find a more universal example to help others not in the same situation, to relate.

It encourages a broader spectrum of feedback which can help stimulate more ideas.

Answer 10

Perhaps because after describing their obsession and seeing a rather disturbed look come over the listener's face, they have an "out" by ending the description with the phrase, "metaphorically speaking of course".

Answer 11

...it makes the obsession like  "kin"