Sometimes labeling, reducing (making little and laughable), and purposely ignoring complexity can be useful. We don’t have to give our full attention and cognitive resources to everything.  We have to choose: does this matter enough?  Do I want to linger here for awhile, hear it out for awhile? Sometimes, sometimes not. Psychological distancing can be  the best option (e.g. Kross et al 2012). Sometimes, when you’ve heard it all before, many times, sure – nod, label and dismiss, then redirect your attentional resources elsewhere. I’m talking about what we say to ourselves and others.

Reference:

Kross, Ethan; Gard, David; Deldin, Patricia; Clifton, Jessica; Ayduk, Ozlem “Asking why” from a distance: Its cognitive and emotional consequences for people with major depressive disorder. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Vol 121(3), Aug 2012, 559-569. doi: 10.1037/a0028808