Yeah, I think the "yay I didn't tear" thing is more about relief that it dodn't happen (and they're ont having to deal with recovery) than anything else. I had an episiotomy and that really sucked. I didn't care at the time (honestly) but it sure had an impact on me afterwards. I hope I'll be able to say "I didn't tear" next time and it'll be all about me and my non-stichted perenium and nothing more than that.

Satistically, there are things shown to reduce the likelihood, but as with all things there's a good dose of luck in there also.