What Is Emotion Regulation?

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Disappointment is often painful because reality did not meet our expectations.

Feeling disappointed is valid, but giving the feeling a time limit can keep it from turning into rumination.

The “Memoir Test” can help you decide whether a disappointment deserves more of your emotional energy.

Disappointment is one of the most common, painful emotions we experience. It shows up when something we hoped for or expected does not happen. Your favorite team loses. You get sick before a trip. A friend cancels plans you were looking forward to. A job opportunity falls through. A dinner, date, or vacation does not go the way you imagined.

Disappointment can bring up many other feelings: frustration, regret, embarrassment, anger, resentment, hopelessness, or sadness. And while those feelings are understandable, the problem is that sometimes we stay in them for too long. A letdown that should sting for a few hours can turn into a bad mood........

© Psychology Today