preemptive strike
I cannot leave the house without cough lozenges in my handbag, because I am afraid I will have a coughing fit in public that I can’t control. I once realized I had left the house without them and I started coughing uncontrollably and threw up a little in my mouth.








that is called a self-fulfilling prophecy: if you believe something dire will happen, the forces of nature will make it so. lots of people have mini-rituals like this but you should try not to make yourself sick over it. just put some lozenges in every bag and coat pocket!