Why do we focus on what annoys/upsets tarnishes us?

Affable

Maybe it's because of context and how it compares to the good in life, and the good stuff seems greater compared to it?
Would the good stuff become meaningless without what we abhor?
Why do we some of us consciously, some subconsciously, seek out what annoys us and what we find boring/crass/onoxious/upsetting etc more than we should or is good for us?

alanjfinn

It certainly is not good for you,why do you think that some people seek out what is bad for them?
There is a school of thought that says you cannot appreciate the good without having experienced the bad,
is that what you are referring to?

Nevyn

Cos feeling pissed off or replused and repelled is better then feeling nothing.
IF this is the case then you need to go get professional help cos what the point of a life with no joy.

alanjfinn

I do not mean to be pedantic,but it is not possible to feel nothing
(if only),so feling bad is not an alternative to feeling good or "something"
to be feeling,negative thinkers can be taught how to think positively,as
in the simple example of glass half full/half empty,negative says
empty and positive says full,just a different way to think of something.
It takes practice, practice, practice and then more practice.

JuliusCaesar

Evolution.

alanjfinn

There is a difference twixt upset and annoyance......and fear,
The flight or fight response is thought to be an aid to survival
but upset and annoyance are not.

JuliusCaesar

Affable wrote: »

Maybe it's because of context and how it compares to the good in life, and the good stuff seems greater compared to it?
Would the good stuff become meaningless without what we abhor?
Why do we some of us consciously, some subconsciously, seek out what annoys us and what we find boring/crass/onoxious/upsetting etc more than we should or is good for us?

It really depends what you are talking about in your last question.

Why do we drink alcohol even when we know we will have the mother of all hangovers the next day? Pleasure/reward now.

Why do we notice every little irritating instance of bad driving? Confirmation bias, selective attention, or any other relevant cognitive bias.

Affable wrote: »

Would the good stuff become meaningless without what we abhor?

Probably.

alanjfinn

Identity/lack of/unsure of and insecurity,..........you cant really tel people they have a confirmation bias etc.,not if you want to guide/treat them,
thats all for the text books and academia,i find it doesnt really work in reality.(the reality i move about in).

JuliusCaesar

alanjfinn wrote: »

you cant really tel people they have a confirmation bias etc.,not if you want to guide/treat them,
thats all for the text books and academia,

and it works in clinical practice.

alanjfinn

JuliusCaesar wrote: »

and it works in clinical practice.

Maith an fear