Discussion Question: Is a problem still a problem if you don't think it's a problem?

I think it all depends on the situation. Say, somebody's hungry. You don't really take it as a problem. You don't know them or really care. But, to that person it's a big problem. It is generally a problem, just one that's not personal to you. I'm sure it could work many different ways in many different situations.

Absolutely, it can still be a problem. There are times where one can find themselves engaging in behavior that is fulfilling a current need, yet be oblivious to the negative effects harming themselves or those in their work or social environments. In order for them to see the behavior is a problem...to see past the haze of need. ..an event needs to take place as a result of their behavior in order to allow them to see there actually is an issue. However, despite social norms and family/peer expectations if the behavior is not negatively affecting them or others the "problem" might be a difference of opinion or lifestyle choices. The key is to determine if the unwelcome behavior is causing harm.

If you have a problem but don't think it's a problem then that's a problem in itself. I think the first step is always recognizing that you do in fact have an issue. If you don't think anything's wrong and most others do then usually that means you're in denial. If you don't think you have a problem then you don't need to change. Change is difficult. It lowers expectation to believe you're fine. It means you can keep going as if everything is okay even when it's not. That's why it's so important to believe you have a real problem

I think so, depending. If it is a real problem that OTHERS view as a problem but you do not, it could still be harmful, just not to you

A problem is... a situation or matter that is unwelcomed or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcomed.

For example: If you drink too much, you may not think it is a problem. You could go out and drink more, and still think it isn't. Someone could even be abusing from it and still think nothing of it. They could even make just reasoning for it. That doesn't mean it isn't a problem. It's unwelcomed by those suffering from it, and it's harmful to the person drinking too. It can be proven that drinking too much is harmful.

In summary, it doesn't matter what is thought about the issue and by who. A problem is still a problem as long as it fits the definition.

@Laura Is an ice cream still an ice cream if I don't think it is ice cream? A very hard question but I like ice cream.

A problem will always be a problem, the biggest thing with this would be how much you dwell on it... If you handle it and keep going and don't think about it as often then its not a big problem but one that is dwelled upon constantly is a big problem. So technically anything has the capacity to become a big problem, the biggest question is will you let it.

Yes !!

I may not find it a prpblem but that does'nt mean it's not inside me eating away things it shouldn't

If you don't recognize there is a problem, and that problem then flies under the radar, still being a problem.. complications could abound causing serious consequenses down the road.

Yes, I find them to be the worst, especially if you are hurting someone without realizing it. I do this far too much and often it's hard to find out what the problem is exactly.