why is it that we always want what we can't have? whether realistically good or bad for us, the things that come easy never fully satisfy us. there must be a reason why the grass always seems greener on the other side. is it the thrill of the chase? the unfamiliarity?
what is it that you really wanted and didn't get anyways ... the affections of a person who was with someone else? that dream job? the last sesame seed bagel snapped up by the customer in front of you? all i know is when you don't get what you want, you want it even more. with my thoughts not at rest, i decided to do some further research on the question at hand. this is what i found:
3 reasons why we always want what we can't have.
1) heightened attention: when something is hard to get (or forbidden) you immediately pay more attention to it.
2) perceived scarcity: when something is scarce or in short supply, its perceived value increases. you want it more because you think other people also want it.
3) psychological reactance: people don't like to be told they can't have or can't do something. this is both emotional and behavioral.
i don't think these answers quite cut it for me. if anyone understands, please feel free to fill me in.
"remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck." - (instructions for life, dali lama)
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