You might think that believing I will be rejected by the apartment I long for, or that the writer I want to interview will be kidnapped by aliens, is perhaps my brain painting a darker (some might say crazier) picture than reality. But it's forced, preventive pessimism to manipulate myself into seeing a sunnier outcome, a way of believing things will be worse than they should actually be, so that what actually does happen must be better than I was anticipating. Enough crushing disappointments happen unexpectedly in life. My superstition ... I mean, philosophy ... is a safeguard to ensure some pleasant surprises.
Hmm, maybe I could interview someone about this theory that denial is a survival mechanism. But don't tell anyone – you might jinx it.
Links:
- The interview with the writer did happen, so I can tell you about it now: Constructing House: An interview with House, M.D. writer Lawrence Kaplow
- My blog, Unified Theory of Nothing Much, has other irrational ramblings on life and entertainment.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
more nice writing deekay, thanks! And most of us know the pleasnat tingle of things turnig out better than we expected. But from a purely mechanistic standpoint, wouldn't thinking positive thoughts influence reality for the better? Under your scenario there would have to be something in the universe out to thwart us.
2 - deekay
Shhh! There is nothing out there to thwart us! Don't even think that!
Seriously, I don't actually believe my thoughts influence anything. It's sort of a self-defence mechanism against disappointment. But I don't look at the world through that weirdly negative lens all the time - I'm usually a pretty positive person - it's just these little things that are within my grasp but haven't happened yet that I force myself not to expect. I'm not sure you can look at this weird little habit logically, much as I protest that it is completely rational, except that it's my way of controlling disappointments where I can.
3 - Temple Stark
This is an Blogcritics editors' pick of the week. Click HERE to find out why.
Also, NEW this week, we are requesting the honor of your very own "best of the week that was" pick for showing an interest and a dedication in your own writing, and as a second thank you for writing well. I will be e-mailing you separately on this as well, but for a little more info read the top of the link above.
Cheers. - Temple, BC editor / Special Projects Director
4 - may
I actually completely agree. At least for me, it is a defense mechanism against whatever disappointment that may happens. Since I've already anticipated the worst scenerio, and think I can I still handle that come what may, whatever really happens will be ok.
That's my logic.
BTW, congruatulations Diane, as the Blogcritic of the month, way to go! You are the first House blog that I read that I really liked and always found some interesting insights about. Still need to go thru other books/tvs/films reviews that you did. Loved the Lawrence Kaplow interview.
Keep it up. ;-)