Why Every Friend Group Needs a Designated Delusional Person (And It’s Probably You)

Lex Morales
Sep 21
2 min read

If you can’t spot that friend in your group, I have bad news: it’s probably you. But don’t worry — we need you.

Delusion Is the Engine of Dreams

Look, without a little delusion, none of us would take risks. No one would start a business, get on stage, or download a dating app in 2025. It takes massive self-belief to swipe right when your last five matches ghosted you and your bio still says “aspiring DJ.”

Delusional friends keep things interesting. They’re the ones who:

Try stand-up for the first time and immediately ask, “How do I get on Netflix?”
Say “We should open a bar” with the same confidence as someone ordering lunch.
Swear they’re going to Thailand “just for a digital detox,” but end up launching a YouTube vlog with zero editing skills and infinite charisma.

But Delusional Doesn’t Mean Dumb

Let’s be clear — there’s a big difference between being delusional and being dumb. Dumb is jumping off a cliff without checking the depth.Delusional is bringing goggles and a GoPro.

Delusional friends aren’t reckless — they’re visionary-adjacent. Their boldness forces everyone else to confront their own limiting beliefs. Sure, sometimes they crash and burn. But sometimes… they create something magic.

The Comedic Value of Delusion

From a comedy perspective, delusion is gold. Half of stand-up is just saying out loud the things your inner idiot believes and hoping someone else goes, “Same.”

Every great comic has at least one bit rooted in a totally unjustified belief:

“I could’ve been a lawyer… if I had applied. Or gone to school.”
“I’m not toxic, I’m just an acquired taste that most people never acquire.”
“I don’t need therapy, I do stand-up.”

Delusional thoughts are what keep open mics running, podcasts launching, and comedy scenes interesting.

Let’s Celebrate the Delulu

So the next time your friend says they’re going to start a kombucha empire, write a novel in a weekend, or become the Joe Rogan of Southeast Asia — don’t mock them (immediately). Take notes. Borrow some of that delusional energy and channel it into your own “why not me?” moment.

Because without a little healthy delusion, we’re all just scrolling, doubting, and waiting for someone else to try first.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to pitch a one-man show about the psychological impact of Facebook Marketplace.