It’s the 99¢ of temperature

Forty degrees seems so much warmer (or less cold) than thirty-nine degrees. “Oh, it’ll be in the 40s, not the 30s. That’s way better.”

I know it’s just a stupid mind trick—one of many I play on myself. Does thinking it’s warmer make me feel warmer? Perception is reality, right?

But where would I be if I didn’t lie to myself once in a while? Or lie to myself constantly in a low level way? Slightly grumpier and more disappointed, no doubt. And shivering more.