(idealizing)

I tend to do this a lot... and from what I understand, so do a lot of other people. The more time passes, the more we only remember the good things about it. For example, while I was in High School, I was a mess... it nearly killed me. I dropped out 3 times, and had 2 breakdowns because of it. Yet... years later? I often wish that I were back there and fantasize about time machines.

You would think that the human mind would have some sort of built in defense mechanism to keep itself out of painful situations...

but then, maybe idealizing is just that... a way to get you back into tough situations in order to strengthen you.