Boredom threshold

[pitstopbunny]

I consider myself to be vaguely intelligent - A levels, degree etc - but why do I get bored or lose interest, in things that I start or am doing, so quickly? Is there such a thing as having as very low boredom threshold and if so, what causes it? And why, when I want an interest or something to do does it have to be something weird? Instead of wanting a normal hobby I would say that reading about exceptional private properties of the world, devising elaborate dinner party menus and studying serial killers rank highly on list of things I find fascinating!

[Ding-Dong]

ADD possibly?

[pitstopbunny]

Hadn't thought of that

[Supernick]

As I've got older (now 25) my concentration levels outside of work seem to have decreased dramatically. Inside work, I can concentrate and work hard all day, but these days nothing in my leisure time holds any interest anymore. I used to be able to sit around and watch TV or play computer games etc for hours as a kid, but now can't find much to hold my interest. I start writing novels, learn to play the guitar, painting or learning more about a subject, but rarely get past about a day of interest. It's worried me a bit over the last year, but I though that it was probably just normal! Maybe not

[pitstopbunny]

That's exactly what I am experiencing - a day's interest which is really intense then the fascination wears out

[tellboy]

Have you ever suffered from depression or wondered if you might have it ?
It strikes in very weird ways.
I would be absolutely hyper about something, spend a fortune on it then suddenly lose interest.

[Supernick]

Hi pitstopbunny. Same as me then. The novel's a classic example. I was so keen to write it at the start but after a few hours writing, I'd decided I was bored of it. Sometimes I feel a compulsion to know something, and so for example learnt every capital city in the worl for no reason. But at work etc I've got no problems concentrating. But I don't think it's a bad thing - we've jsut got high interest expectations.

[pitstopbunny]

I also have the problem that although I love my family dearly, I can find their conversations incredibly boring but quite often they have no idea of what I am even talking about if I start a conversation up.

[David H]

Of course it's possible, and the more intelligent someone is the shorter the boredom span can be before you need more stimulation. I used to panic if I was in an audience and not interested in what was going on as I was absolutely unable to stimulate my mind and time seemed to stand still. Nowadays if I watch TV, on my own or not, I usually draw on a notepad or read at the same time, and talk if someone's there. I keep the radio on all day if the TV isn't, especially at the computer where I'm busy but have a space that the radio can fill as well in my attention. Just find more to do and use it to fill the space, it just takes experimentation.

[pitstopbunny]

Thanks David - I realised that I automatically do that - turn the pc on and turn the radio or TV on at the same time. I also can manage to have 3 chat windows open & still be doing whatever it is on the pc at the same time. Talk about multi tasking!

[David H]

As they pointed me here some time ago I'll add funtrivia.com for trivia forum addicts, an international version of AB and more. Always time for new sites to visit!

[Johnsongs]

I've been worried about my own low boredom threshold for quite a while now. I do suffer from depression, which probably doesn't help. What I find most troubling though, is being with other people. Whether family, friends or strangers, there are very few times that I don't feel bored by the chit-chat that the others seem to find interesting and worthy of comment. This leads to me isolating myself, sometimes I make an excuse to leave, then go and sit in a bar with a book to read.
In fact I would say that's one of the things in life I find most enjoyable. Sometimes I arrive at a date early just to sit and read, and I find myself getting quite annoyed when the other person arrives and "interrupts" my reading.
Even with important family affairs, I find I have to force myself to be interested, trying hard to find something relevant to say.
Like others here, I've also started numerous different hobbies - playing the guitar, writing a book, photography etc - starting off well and full of enthusiasm, before dropping it all, selling the guitar, camera, whatever.
I would be glad to hear from others who have a similar problem.
Thanks for reading this.

[citoy1]

Johnsongs, If I hadn't seen your name, I'd not have been surprised if someone had told me that I had written that response; I'd told myself: "Surely, I must have forgotten about it".
Like you, people bore me and books fascinate me. Perhaps It'd not be out of place to quote Maugham here: "Some people read for instruction, which is praiseworthy, and some for pleasure, which is innocent, but not a few read from habit, and I suppose that is neither innocent nor praiseworthy. Of that lamentable company am I. Conversation after a time bores me, games tire me, and my own thoughts, which we are told are the unfailing resource of a sensible man, have a tendency to run dry....... I would sooner read the catalogue of the Army and Navy stores or Bradshaw's Guide than nothing at all, and indeed I have spent many delightful hours over both these works".

[hazeyjane02]

Can I just say, I have an extremely low boredom threshold, same as you. And I was really surprised to see that you study serial killers and read up on hugely extravagant properties too! I thought I was the only one who did that...I am a little worried I have ADD, but if anyone can help me, please post :D.