"You cannot erase remembered pain"

Fred Hertzberg was an American psychologist well known in the 60s for his sensible theories and recommendations around job satisfaction and productivity; he was largely responsible for the wider appreciation and understanding of hygiene factors – subtle rewards at work, the less obvious motivators.

One of his dicta was “You cannot erase remembered pain” which might appear self-evident, except many of us try to do just that – make the pain disappear. Sadly, without significant physiological alteration (not recommended) it is not possible to erase memory. However, it is possible to mitigate and diminish a powerfully unpleasant memory by sharing and taming it.

Essential to make sure that the sharer is strong enough for the task.