The nearness of same-sex marriage has many people on edge. 

In 1970, Alvin Toffler (pictured) wrote a book titled Future Shock, in which he said that the pace of social and technological change had become so fast that people were starting to feel shocked.

The pace of change has only increased since he wrote that.

Consider the development of the Internet, replacement of human workers with computers and robots, and increased acceptance of gays and different ethnic groups.

One problem with change is the uncertainty it causes.

Our ancestors learned that change can be good, but it can also be disastrous, as when the rains cease and the crops fail. We may have genes that predispose us to fear change.

Another problem with change is that adjusting to it requires mental energy. We naturally try to conserve our mental energy.

Hence, we follow habits that eliminate the need to make conscious decisions. When I moved to Australia, I was unable to change a light bulb - I  kept twisting and twisting because I had never heard of a bayonet light bulb. 

Individuals vary in their reactions to change. Some generally anxious people develop a phobia of change: They want nothing to change.

We might perceive them as stuck in the past, but they actually are trapped by fear. They will not move to a different part of the country where they could get a better job. They will not leave a damaging relationship.

Some individuals are open to change. They feel confident that they can deal with whatever life throws them. They perceive changes as challenges or opportunities.

What changes or possible changes do you fear?

John Malouff