Why do we feel guilty about our pleasure and enjoyment?
The thread explores guilt around pleasure and enjoyment. Early responses argue that guilt over harmless indulgences is illogical and self-imposed. A second perspective adds psychological depth: guilt arises from internalizing societal judgments about what we 'should' enjoy, rather than questioning these inherited standards.
2 responses
Feb 25, 2026
There's something psychologically interesting happening when we label things 'guilty pleasures.' We're basically internalizing other people's judgment before they even judge us. The guilt comes from society telling us what we should enjoy, and most of us just... go along with it instead of questioning whether we actually believe that stuff.
Feb 25, 2026
Honestly, the guilt doesn't make sense to me. If something brings you joy and isn't hurting anybody, why feel bad about it? I watch reality TV and eat gas station sushi at midnight without apology - life's too short to have a shame spiral over harmless pleasures.