How to Decide?
Most of our decisions occur through totally or largely unconscious processes. And, usually, that is of no concern. Whether we decide on vanilla or chocolate ice cream will have no appreciably important effect on our well-being. But, of course, there are other unconsciously determined decisions that literally can have life or death consequences. We might automatically, unreflectively decide to drive to the grocery store after “a couple drinks” because we previously have done so with no adverse consequences. For important decisions such as those that concern relationships, we often, but not always, consciously deliberate. In those cases, we tend to believe that we are proceeding rationally. But are we? When deliberate decisions concern interpersonal relationships, regardless of our intention, our mood very often exerts the most powerful influence. This point was driven home by a Joseph P. Forgas study (1989). Subjects were provid...