Self-deception

[ciphergoth]

Is self-deception always bad? Are there any beliefs so dear to you that, in a world where they weren't true, you would prefer to go on believing them?

Update: very interesting answers so far, I hope I get to hear from lots more of you!

Comments

[olethros.livejournal.com]

I do have a category in my mind of "Things I will think about in a bit but not right now." I talk about it as good, healthy denial. If there's something I'm having trouble handling or accepting, the procedure - and I'm fully conscious of this - goes "not happening not happening not happening not happening OMGSCARY ok, that's done now" over some lengthy period of time. It is strictly time limited, and I know it's going to terminate in some reasonable time, but it's a way to get to it when I'm good and ready.