What Makes Your Nostalgia So Risky?

Here's best way to counter a glorified memory.

Years ago Cathy and I traveled with another couple to a park near their hometown. After we arrived, they pointed to an old store and said: “The ice cream there is great!” So we bought some. Bad idea.

(Photo courtesy of Unsplash)

After our first few licks, Cathy and I looked at each other with the same unenthusiastic expression. Great ice cream? Hardly. It tastes like chemicals.

Then it hit me. What was “great” to the other couple had nothing to...