An attempt to list some example second-handed thoughts. These thoughts wouldn’t necessarily be second-handed in all contexts, but I think they would be in many. Criticisms or additional examples welcome in comments.
- I should keep the beard, even though it’s annoying, cuz it looks good.
- Would my coworkers judge me if I go to McDonald’s for lunch again?
- Should I buy some new shoes to up my style game?
- What’s the most prestigious college I can get into?
- What will my friends think of this girl I’m dating?
- Would I look better with longer hair?
- What would be a cute family Christmas card photo?
- Is this building an appropriate place to live for someone in my social position?
- Do my glasses look dorky?
- Are MMOs a nerdy hobby?
- That girl is so fat I’d be embarrassed to be seen with her.
- Is that restaurant nice enough to take someone on a date to? Is it too nice?
- I’m embarrassed about my career trajectory. Everybody else is doing so well.
- This work project is a total disaster. How can I come out of it looking good anyways?
- Is this car appropriate for someone in my social position?
- I should stop reading comic books, even though I like them. It’s too childish a hobby for me.
- That person’s clothes are ridiculously out of style, lol.
- Will my friends think the lighting on my computer case looks cool?
- I should hide my political opinions, even though I think they’re really important, so people don’t get mad at me.
- How can that person be so sure of their opinion, when all the experts say otherwise? Who do they think they are?
- Could I bring this girl I’m dating to work events?
- I’d never shop at Walmart – what if somebody saw me there?
- The boss likes Joe Candidate; I should casually say something positive about Joe even though I’m not voting for him.
- I should go to the party even though I don’t want to; I wouldn’t want to give offense to my friend.
- I’m so glad I got the award and not Shlinker. Fuck Shlinker.