Do you think that anticipating pain is as bad as experiencing it?
Asked at Massachusetts Street on May 5, 2006
“Generally it’s the anticipation that gets me. Usually, when you’re expecting the pain, it hurts worse because you’ve built up an expectation. If it just happens, then it doesn’t linger as long.”
“I think the anticipation is worse, because you always imagine it’s going to be worse than it is. At least I do.”
“Either one can be just as bad as the other, but anticipating it is usually worse.”
“Yeah, it’s worse, because people agonize over what might happen. It’s easier to deal with while you’re enduring the pain. Feeling other people’s pain or anticipating your own is definitely more stressful.”