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Who is Exulansis?

Published in Psychology 2 mins read

Exulansis is a fictional concept, not a person. It was coined by the American author John Koenig in his website The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, which explores the nuances of human emotions.

What is Exulansis?

Exulansis describes the bittersweet pang of realizing that you'll never experience something as intensely as you did the first time, the feeling of "never again." It's the realization that the first time you experienced something, whether it's love, joy, or a sense of wonder, was unique and irreplaceable.

Examples of Exulansis:

  • First Love: The first time you fall in love feels intensely passionate and all-consuming. As you experience more love, you may feel a sense of exulansis as you realize that the feeling can never be replicated exactly.
  • Travel: The initial thrill of exploring a new city or country can be overwhelming. As you travel more, you may experience exulansis as you acknowledge that the first time you visited that place held a special kind of magic.
  • Childhood: The sense of wonder and possibility that comes with childhood is unique and irreplaceable. As you grow older, you may experience exulansis as you realize that you can never truly recapture that feeling.

Understanding Exulansis:

Exulansis is not about sadness or regret. It's about accepting the bittersweet truth that life is a series of firsts, and each experience holds a unique place in our hearts. While we may not be able to relive those moments, the memories and lessons learned from them enrich our lives.