Leveling and sharpening
Two ways a memory changes as it is recalled and retold: leveling drops or smooths over details, while sharpening picks out a few details and makes them stand out more. Over time, stories become simpler and more dramatic.
In everyday life
Each time you tell the story of your flight delay, the six-hour wait becomes 'all day' and the rude gate agent becomes the whole plot.
After a few retellings, your friend's account of a camping trip has lost the long drive and the weather and now centers entirely on the bear that knocked over the cooler.
Why your mind does this
We cannot hold every moment of an experience or every item in a list in mind. The brain keeps a few standout pieces, such as the most intense moment, the ending, or the first and last items, and lets them stand for the whole. This makes memories compact and quick to use.
Its family, in 30 seconds: Key elements
How to spot it
Notice when your retelling of an event has grown shorter and more dramatic over time.
How to counter it
Go back to the original source, such as the email, photo or message, before retelling an important story.