There’s a child-like joy that comes with ordering something online — whether it be clothes or kitchen facilities. We sit refreshing the postal service to see when our items will arrive, and we become overly excited, hopeful and anxious.
Ryan Howes, a clinical psychologist from Pasadena California, has interpreted this phenomenon as “anticipatory pleasure”. “A lot of people believe that placing that order and waiting for it does feel good. This is why people look forward to dinner reservations, hair appointments and yes, receiving packages,” he says.
But it’s not the purchase itself that brings about this happiness. Experts say there’s something about the anticipation of waiting that is exciting for those in need of change in their lives. “It can be helpful to anticipate good things in the future, ’’says Ryan Howes. “Waiting for a parcel can serve as a temporary distraction (分心) from the dullness of your life because it gives you something new to wake up to and get excited about.”
However, anticipatory pleasure isn’t always a good thing. While waiting, many are worried about their items arriving on time, appearing broken, or simply not living up to expectations. Even when our package finally arrives, you’ll find that initial excitement has probably waned. Howes cautions that comfort shopping is only a temporary fix. It’s just a distraction from bigger problems, but it hasn’t done anything to change the bigger problems. It only helps you escape from them temporarily.
“Many people often seek external solutions, such as luxury purchases or alcohol, as a way of feeling better quickly. However, a healthier long-term curing mechanism is to look inward and appreciate your life with gratitude. Real pleasure comes from taking action rather than wait passively.” Howes says.
So the next time you feel the urge to order and track something online, chew over it.
12. What’s the purpose of paragraph 1?
A.To inform a trend. | B.To state an opinion. |
C.To describe a phenomenon. | D.To issue a warning. |
13. What does the underlined word “waned” in paragraph 4 probably mean?
A.Faded. | B.Strengthened. | C.Returned. | D.Emerged. |
14. What’s Howeses attitude to anticipatory pleasure?
A.Objective. | B.Supportive. | C.Doubtful. | D.Unclear. |
15. What is Howeses suggestion to readers?
A.Shopping online at will. |
B.Seeking external stimulation. |
C.Escaping from life occasionally. |
D.Pursuing inner satisfaction actively. |