Should Thinking Quiz

1. using words like “should,” “must,” or “ought to” when thinking about your actions or the actions of others. Eg: “They should be more appreciative; I should be more productive.”

2. frequently feel guilty or anxious when you don’t meet yours or others’ expectations.

3. having a tendency to set unrealistic or rigid standards for yourself and others. Eg. “Women should be in the kitchen. Men shouldn’t get scared.”

4. dwelling on past events, thinking about what you “should have” done.

5. getting frustration or disappointed when life doesn’t align with your idealized expectations.

6. feeling compelled to meet societal or cultural expectations, even if they conflict with your values.

7. struggling to accept that people, including you, are not perfect and can make mistakes.

8. finding it challenging to adapt to changes in plans or unexpected events.

9. frequently compare yourself to others and believe you “should” be at a certain point in life or have certain achievements.

10. basing your sense of self-worth on external validation or meeting external standards. For example, trying to make others proud or like you.

11. feeling pressure to conform to others’ opinions or societal norms, even if it goes against what you want out of life. Eg. Not pursuing a hobby because it is not typically associated with your gender and you think you “should” be doing something more acceptable.

12. having trouble saying no, even when it negatively affects your well-being.

13. focusing on what you believe you “should” be doing instead of what you want or need to do.

14. feeling of inadequate when you perceive that you or others have not lived up to expectations. E.g. “I am x age, I should be married by now. I’m a loser.”

15. feeling guilty for relaxing because you think you “should” be doing something productive.