by Robert M. Sherfield, Ph.D.
Just as it is painful for many people to look back, some people cannot seem to get out of the past. The past, for them, is better than the present; therefore, they chose to live there instead.
You probably know several people who live in the past. They speak of it often, compare today to yesterday, and have a hard time accepting the fact that the past is never coming again. This can be paralyzing to healthy self-esteem.
At first thought, you may assume that most people who live in the past are older and have retired. This is not the case. Many young people live in the past as well. They are caught up with people and events of which they just can't seem to let go.
It is perfectly fine, even recommended, that you revisit your past to clear up unfinished business and even to remember and bask in the good times, but living there, as a rule, is unhealthy.