Don't Hurry Up, Wait

According to psychological research

the purchase of experiences appears to bring more happiness than the purchase of things.

"The anticipatory period tends to be more pleasant, more exciting, and less tinged with impatience for experiential purchases."

(Image from Schmoop.com)

Science confirms what the poet said 200 years ago about two lovers, frozen in time, who can never meet:

Bold Lover, never, never canst thou kiss,
Though winning near the goal—yet, do not grieve;
She cannot fade, though thou hast not thy bliss,
For ever wilt thou love, and she be fair!

From politics to sex to tech gadgets to books and movies, often it's not the experience itself but the anticipation that gives the most pleasure.