Beside oneself meaning

Beside oneself definitions

Beside Oneself

Definition

Beside oneself is an idiomatic expression that describes someone who is overwhelmed with a strong emotion such as anger, excitement, or grief. When a person is beside themselves, they are in a state of intense emotion that may cause them to act erratically or lose control over their emotions.

Origin

The phrase "beside oneself" dates back to the 15th century and comes from the idea of someone being so overcome with emotion that they are no longer in their right mind. It suggests that the person's emotions have taken them out of their normal state of being, leaving them beside or outside of themselves.

Common Usage

This phrase is commonly used to convey a sense of extreme emotion. For example, someone might say they were beside themselves with joy at winning a competition, or beside themselves with anger at an injustice. It is often used in situations where the intensity of the emotion overwhelms the person experiencing it.

Effects

When someone is beside themselves, they may exhibit physical signs of their emotional state, such as pacing, crying, or shouting. They may also struggle to communicate effectively or make rational decisions, as their emotions are in control. In some cases, being beside oneself can lead to a temporary loss of self-control.

Managing Emotions

It is important for individuals who find themselves beside themselves to practice self-care and coping strategies to manage their emotions. This can include techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, talking to a trusted friend or therapist, or engaging in calming activities like meditation or exercise. By taking steps to regulate their emotions, individuals can regain control and prevent themselves from becoming overwhelmed.

Conclusion

Beside oneself is a powerful expression that captures the intensity of human emotions. By understanding the origins and common usage of this phrase, individuals can better navigate moments of extreme emotion and work towards regaining a sense of balance and control.

Beside oneself Examples

1. She was beside herself with excitement when she found out she got the job.
2. After waiting for over two hours, he was beside himself with anger.
3. I was beside myself with worry when my cat didn't come home last night.
4. The children were beside themselves with joy when they saw the presents under the tree.
5. She was beside herself with grief after losing her best friend.
6. He was beside himself with frustration when his computer crashed right before the deadline.
7. The fans were beside themselves with excitement waiting for the band to come on stage.
8. She was beside herself with disbelief when she won the lottery.
9. He was beside himself with pride as he watched his daughter graduate from college.
10. They were beside themselves with fear during the hurricane.

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