Rosy retrospection

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Rosy retrospection is a proposed psychological phenomenon of recalling the past more positively than it was actually experienced. The highly unreliable nature of human memory is well documented and accepted amongst psychologists. Some research suggests a 'blue retrospective' which also exaggerates negative emotions, creating a bipolar distortion of affective memory that depends on personality, time, and developmental stage. Though it is a cognitive bias which distorts one's view of reality, it is suggested that rosy retrospection serves a useful purpose in increasing self-esteem and sense of well-being. Simplifications and exaggerations of memories that occur in rosy retrospection may make it easier for the brain to store long-term memories, as removing details may reduce the burden of those memories by requiring the generation and maintenance of fewer neural connections. In evolutionary terms, such bias may have persisted because it encourages repeated engagement in adaptive behaviors...

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