Is a miss as good as a mile?

Recently, my daughter appeared for a couple of competitive examinations. While she did really well, it still looks doubtful whether she will make the cut off for an institute of her choice. This brought to mind an internal debate which has really been with me since childhood.

Is it better to be far away from any dividing line than to just miss by the proverbial whisker. The sense of agony in this situation is sooo much higher as to be unbearable. This is applicable to a losing finalist as well perhaps.

Having been there often enough (the wrong side of the dividing line), I know perhaps more than a lot others how keen the sense of hurt or deprivation is. It does not matter what the lacuna is, be it your own fault, sheer cussed luck, or the other people are simply better than you.

I have also seen people close to me give up trying simply because they cannot bear to be on the wrong side of the line. That did not prevent them from feeling lousy.

I guess it can be best summed up in Charlie Brown's words ; "It does not matter whether you win or you lose.... until you lose!"