Fear and footnotes
When you’re trying to make an argument in a scientific journal or a history monograph, you’ll need footnotes. Show your work. Make it clear who came before and what you’re basing your thesis on.
But it seems as though when we’re nervous and afraid, we don’t need any footnotes. “No,” is all we have to offer.
Show your work. It’s a good way to demonstrate that your decision isn’t based on fear alone.