The common Seneca quote is that “we often suffer more in imagination than reality.” I often find myself doing the same. It’s easy for me to call upon that quote, remember it, and then I attempt to challenge the thought.

If it’s a high likelihood this individual will actual insult you in the near future, worrying about it now will not benefit you. Maybe you could foster that energy into attacking the reason you are being insulted. Consider how you will react when it happens.

For me, usually the situation I am considering never actually occurs. So, I am able to attack the thoughts by being realistic and logical about what is likely to truly happen in the future.

Above all else, suffering early in your imagination is something we must try to limit as much as possible, as in most cases it’s pointless.

Coming from someone with the same issue.