To a certain extent, it is through repetition that we are assured of some basic and fundamental continuities—of self-continuity and object relations. We seek familiarity and obtain mastery by repeating, thereby guaranteeing ourselves that not every situation will be new, that we can navigate through a variety of recognizable situations employing tried-and-true adaptive styles that work. The comfort in routines and the recognition of repetitive experiences enable us to focus our attention on a wide span of problems and situations because we are not preoccupied with the management of each moment as if