It seems this post took a turn somewhere. You were asking about coping mechanisms. Empathy and Humor work best for me. If I’m trying to diffuse a situation I find humor is a great equalizer. Many compliments on 20 years of CRPS and still finding humor there. Empathy is the big one. If chronic pain teaches us anything, it’s empathy for our fellow sufferers. The irony for me, my wife that can no longer deal with my chronic pain is divorcing me for being a narcissist. One that is totally devoid of empathy in any way.