DR seems to indicate that you act "as if" in situation specific moments - i.e., act as if the outcome of a discussion is going to be positive.
It all depends on the situation and perception.
A relationship talk is coming up. You are aprehensive and nervous as all get out. Rather than telegraph those emotions you act "as if" otherwise things can and will go south very quickly.
I would not characterize the technique as denial if you can do it for the right reasons. You can use it to get a reaction also.
mcc_xfer, I am in Bloomingdale (Kinnelon, Butler, Pompton Lakes, West Milford area)
