Why do we romanticize the past?

[ima30something]

Originally Posted by John1981

We mostly remember positive experiences, and forget those that were negative. Thats why when you look back at some of the moments in your life and maybe relationships, it seems that they were great back then. In reality, its the only parts that you remember

This is correct.

[Joe the Photog]

"You glorify the past when the future dries up" to quote Bono

[jaminhealth]

I don't romance the past, but I do miss a lot of it...being 80, I have seen a lot and miss what no longer is, but live with what is. Love my memories.

[HonestIntellectual]

The past is something familiar. And everyone feels better when they go back to doing stuff they like that they already did before (in the past). And remembering it is not doing it again, of course, but it does awaken a "feeling" of redoing it, which is something that turns on nostalgia.
Also, if you look at it from the optimist's scope, you can say it's great that most people remember their past as a little better, since it can't be changed.