The Joy and Horror of Control

Ever wonder why it’s impossible to tickle yourself?

It’s likely because tickling, like all things that make us laugh, involves an element of surprise. When you tickle yourself, you know what you’re up to. When someone else tickles you, there’s a benign loss of control.

Giving up control, if voluntary, can feel pleasurable in all sorts of ways.

For example …

Some people love roller coasters, but a little turbulence on a flight will have them clutching their armrests.