There could be several reasons why you might feel like you have no clue what everyone is talking about:
Lack of familiarity with the topic: If the discussions or conversations are centered around specific subjects or areas that you have little knowledge or experience in, it's natural to feel lost or confused. The more exposure you have to a topic, the better you'll understand the discussions related to it.
Lack of context: Sometimes, conversations can be difficult to grasp if you're not aware of the background or context of what is being discussed. People often refer to previous events, inside jokes, or shared experiences, and if you're not familiar with these, it can be challenging to follow the conversation.
Complex language or jargon: Certain discussions may involve technical jargon or specialized terminology that you are not familiar with. When people use language that is unfamiliar to you, it can be hard to understand the main points being made.
Different perspectives and viewpoints: People come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, which can lead to varying viewpoints and perspectives. If you find it challenging to relate to or understand different perspectives, it may lead to a sense of confusion in conversations.
Social anxiety or discomfort: Feeling anxious or uncomfortable in social situations can hinder your ability to concentrate and fully engage in conversations. This, in turn, may make it difficult to understand the flow of the discussion.
Lack of active listening: If you're not actively listening and focusing on the conversation, your mind might wander, making it hard to keep track of what is being said.
If you consistently feel like you're having trouble understanding conversations, it might be helpful to address the underlying reasons. Here are some suggestions:
Ask questions: Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you don't understand something. Most people are happy to explain further if you express interest in learning.
Educate yourself: If there are specific topics you encounter frequently and don't understand, try to research and educate yourself about them. Reading books, articles, or watching videos can provide valuable insights.
Practice active listening: Train yourself to actively listen during conversations, focusing on the speaker's words and non-verbal cues. This can improve your understanding and engagement.
Expand your knowledge: Engage in a variety of activities and experiences to broaden your understanding of different subjects and viewpoints.
Socialize in comfortable settings: If social anxiety is an issue, try to socialize in settings where you feel more at ease or consider seeking support from a therapist.
Remember that understanding and knowledge take time and effort to develop. Be patient with yourself and continue to expose yourself to new experiences and information, and you'll likely find your understanding of conversations improving over time.