I avoided this thread for awhile because I don't think of having dissociation being a good thing. However, after giving thought to it, I agree that under certain circumstances, being able to exercise the strength that one part of us has while others stay hidden can be a good temporary way to handle potentially scary or threatening situations. When I am suffering a great deal emotionally, eventually a part of me steps in that is numb and makes the pain go away. Also, while I tend to be a worry wart in general, when an actual emergency happens, that same part of me takes over and can be incredibly calm. I also have adaptive parts that help me interact with others in a professional or chatty way, as the need arises, and unless I get triggered, I am able to hide the alters that would indicate that I have a dissociative problem.