Cognitive Dissonance: Why We Feel Uncomfortable with Contradictions

That quiet, nagging discomfort that shows up? That “ugh” feeling when your choices don’t quite fit your words or beliefs? That’s cognitive dissonance.

It’s not just about food or fitness. It shows up in relationships, finances, careers, morals, and even how we see ourselves. It’s a universal psychological phenomenon that explains why we feel unsettled when our actions don’t match our values - and why we sometimes go to great lengths to cover up or justify those contradictions.