Definition
We feel foreboding joy when happiness arrives and we fear it won't last instead of fully savoring it.
>> Why We Have This Emotion
Foreboding joy adds caution to our celebrations. It helps us check for risks so we don't get blindsided after our wins. It can be useful in volatile environments, but it saps away what joys we've earned.
◈ How It Shows Up
“This is great...what’s the catch?”Smiles, then bracesPrepares for bad newswon't savor the momentScans for cracks in good
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Name both: “I feel joy and fear”
- Take some time to savor the good
- Note three specific things going well
- List actual risks, not vague disasters
- Plan a small safeguard for real risks
- Allow yourself to enjoy this real moment of joy, even if it's brief
Bad Ideas
- Believe you'll “jinx it” by celebrating
- Assume a crash always follows joy
- Downplay your good news
- “Pre-grieve” losses you anticipate
- Apologize for being happy
- Mentally rehearse tragedies
- Over-prepare for catastrophe