[r_lee]

It's not "other people" but the state of the world, how could people not be affected by their environment?

if the economy is collapsing, constant layoffs, stuff getting worse and more expensive, how could I just say everything is fine and ignore reality?

[ranger_danger]

You don't have to say it's fine, but you also don't have to get mad at it.

One can still control their emotions while acknowledging reality.