Lets think about this for a moment, using cognitive ability to rationalize. This example is exactly the reason black and white thinking is harmful in a world that is colorful and not simply black and white. Communication is best when it is detailed and not simply black and white. Stating that you are simply tired is not an accurate description at times if the person chose obliterated for a description of their feeling when asked how they are.

I believe this is what is a more accurate look at what was meant in the example given by Pan B.
Definition in context of expression of a feeling:

TIRED = means that you underslept or feeling of as though did not get enough sleep.

OBLITERATED = means that you feel as though the things in your life are imperceptible to anyone but yourself.

Which one sounds like a feeling and which one sounds more like a simple physical body status check not emcompassing any mental or emotional or spiritual state of being? Which one gives a more accurate account of “how someone is”? My view of of perception is that the most accurate response to the question in the example is that they felt obliterated, and more importantly because they obviously have a more indepth vocabulary than Pan B. and a much broader perception ability than Pan B. whose narrow black and white thinking causes he/she to conclude that since the response did not fit into a category of acceptable responses they would choose it is therefore inaccurate or invalid or wrong. No one’s feelings are wrong. No one’s view is invalid or inaccurate FOR THEM. To state that someone elses view or feelings are wrong or inaccurate is hypocritical. Hypocricy is about pretending as though you are not included in the possiblity range of being wrong. If someone cannot be wrong then your statement of someone else being wrong is then wrong. So who then is actually wrong? The hypocritical thinking is wrong which is a from of black and white thinking in and of itself. Meaning do not be so narrow minded and black and white thinking that do not include your own self when making statements about someone else or their actions or their feelings or their expressions or stated beliefs/opinions.
(FYI: myself included)

1. black and white – grey
2. large and small – medium
3. up and down – sideways
4. left and right – center
5. fast and slow – moderate
6. easy and hard – normal
7. young and old – mature
8. loud and quiet – comfortable
9. good and bad – fair
10. near and far – here
11. pass and fail – incomplete
12. happy and sad – neutral
13. clean and dirty – disorganized
14. shy and outgoing – confident
15. calm and anxious – balanced

WE are all human and therefore are equal.

i’m on the cusp of entering a major (bipolar) depression and have been trying to i.d. things to change my thinking (and hopefully help out my brain chemistry), so i can avoid a full dive into the black hole if at all possible.

thanks to the author and all those who participated in its publication.