Why do people ask questions when they've already made up their minds?

A lot of times, people just want someone else to validate their own thoughts or decisions. I think we are all guilty of that at some point. But... isn't it great when somebody tells us something we never considered before and actually "listen" to them? I'm learning to listen and hear and actually accept I'm not always right or always know everything.

It is fun. It is stimulating. Poke a few people with the right words and you get this response that may serve no other purpose than to satisfy the hunger need for stimulation. And that is probably why many of us come here. It works to do just that, provide some form of stimulation.

Sometimes for reassurance that they've made the right decision.

Sometimes because they need to make a decision, or because they have opinions, but want more input--they may change their minds with more information (I do this a lot).

And sometimes, yes, just to show how superior they are to the rest of us mere mortals.

they like to hear second opinion but would rather go on with his decision regardless of the solicited answers to say later "see what I've been looking up to''.

They need reassurance and more thoughts and perspectives to open their perception of the decision.

They ask because of their Curiosity about others perceptions....

When one asks a Question they are not necessarily asking for advice

Because people want others to tell them they are right. For some, being right is more important than expanding their horizons.

Because they need to validate their decision and existence.

many are indecisive