Dear John:

“My suspicion, and it’s only a suspicion, is that people don’t fully appreciate what is given to them readily. They appreciate it more if they have to work (or ask) to get it. This is conclusion from what I’ve seen.”-

– This phenomenon can be related to the concept of scarcity in social psychology. When something is scarce, it often becomes more valuable and desirable; when people have to ask for help or put in effort to receive it, they perceive it as more valuable due to its scarcity.

This principle of scarcity is used in various fields, including economics (example: Limited edition products are often perceived as more valuable), marketing (example: sales and promotions with time limits or limited stock can create a sense of urgency, making customers more eager to purchase), and in social interactions where attention or affection from someone who is not easily available or constantly present often feels more valuable because it’s perceived as scarce (example: women who are dating are often more attracted to emotionally unavailable or emotionally reserved men than to men who are very attentive and eager).

When help is readily available and consistently given, it can be perceived as abundant (not at all scarce) and thus, less valuable. People tend to take it for granted, assuming that it will always be there. Conversely, if help is not easily accessible or requires effort to obtain (e.g., asking for it), it often feels more valuable because it is perceived as scarce.

For those who are consistently helpful, the lack of appreciation can be disheartening. Understanding the principle of scarcity can help realize that the undervaluation of their help is not a reflection of its true worth, but rather a psychological response to its availability.

Your observation, John, adds an important dimension to understanding why helpfulness sometimes go unappreciated: it’s not just about the frequency of help (leading to the habituation concept I mentioned yesterday), but also about the scarcity concept. Thank you for sharing this perspective.

anita

This is my sincere, genuine feeling for you this Christmas Day afternoon (here), Helcat: => ❤️ !

anita

Thank you, John!

anita

Dear Rising Flower:

I hope that you are well and that I will be reading from you again. I want to respond to you more positively and empathetically this morning, a month and a day after my last post to you (and assuming the issues you shared about have not yet been resolved, at least not completely):

Navigating the complexities of an arranged marriage, falling for someone else, and dealing with the emotional fallout is an huge burden. Your initial marriage to H, a kind and caring person, and the subsequent entanglement with L, who manipulated your emotions, created a situation filled with conflict and guilt.

The ongoing manipulation and blame from L, despite his marriage to another woman, have understandably caused more emotional turmoil. It’s clear that L’s behavior—his dishonesty, anger issues, and neglect—has significantly impacted your well-being.

Despite recognizing the unhealthy nature of your relationship with L and your own emotional maturity, it’s natural to struggle with deep, complex feelings. Your accidental pregnancy and miscarriage add another layer of emotional pain. It’s important to acknowledge the strength it takes to navigate these challenges and continue seeking healing, and that it’s okay to feel conflicted and to struggle with detaching from someone who has been a significant part of your life for over a decade.

I think that it is the intense emotional roller coaster (highs and lows) of love, hope, disappointment, and pain made it very difficult for you to establish clear boundaries and detach from L: when things are going well, the feelings of joy, love, and connection with L are (I imagine) incredibly intense. These positive emotions create strong, happy memories that overshadow the negative experiences. During the highs, L likely provides affection and validation, which makes you feel valued and loved, reinforcing your attachment to him.

The lows involve conflict, mistreatment, and emotional pain. These experiences are also intense but on the opposite end of the emotional spectrum. The highs and lows create an unpredictable pattern of reinforcement. This is a powerful psychological mechanism where occasional rewards (emotional highs) make the individual crave more, despite the presence of negative experiences (lows).

This pattern is similar to gambling or other addictive behaviors, where the occasional win (positive interaction) keeps the person engaged and hoping for more.

This cycle of highs and lows can lead to trauma bonding, where the individual becomes emotionally dependent on the person causing the pain. The rare moments of affection and kindness are seen as relief from the pain, making them more potent.

I hope that further understanding the addictive power of emotional cycles of high and lows, such as the one you are experiencing (if you still do), as well as the concept of trauma bonding are, or will be helpful to you. Please continue to prioritize your well-being and seek support from therapy and trusted individuals. Your journey is unique, and your emotions are valid. Healing is a gradual process, and it’s okay to take the time you need.

Wishing you strength and clarity as you continue to navigate this complex journey!

anita

M e R r Y C h R i S t M a S M e, as merry as possible, for you and for your father 🎄❄️

anita

M e R r Y C h R i S t M a S A n T a R K a L a 🎄🎅 ✨❄️ 🎁 😊 !

anita

I hope you and your family are doing well this Christmas day, Lulu 🎄❄️

anita