Expectations and sentiment act as the invisible inner framework shaping our emotional experiences, often setting the stage for how we feel before events even unfold. They can act either as “mental friction” or a source of comfort, influencing the way we interpret and respond to situations. Expectations function like the mind’s internal guidance system, while sentiment reflects a more enduring attitude towards something. Together, they create a dynamic where differences between what we anticipate and reality drive emotional reactions. When a high level of uncertainty enters the picture, these reactions can intensify, often activating cognitive biases that skew perceptions toward negative outcomes.