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This forum is about interpersonal manipulation (especially in its extreme forms) and also about how we are all the hero of our own stories, our own lives.

Highly manipulative relationships and groups include battering relationships, cults, and many others which are more subtle and therefore harder to spot. Being a healthy hero is centered on the opposite -- becoming as autonomous as possible and endorsing the autonomy of others.

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Subject:		Re: Reverse Psychology
Name:		Beth
Date Posted:		May 12, 08 - 10:41 AM
Website:		http://www.beth-peterson.com
Message:		Hi! You've asked a question that a lot of people wonder about. Reverse psychology works on a whole lot of folk, but not on everyone. And you're right -- it can be very manipulative. Reverse psychology is all about making a rebellious person do what you want them to do, by telling them to do something opposite of what you really want. Rebellion means that you are acting and reacting to oppose an authority that, in one way or another, you feel is trying to subvert your control over yourself and your life. The reality is, however, if you are in rebellion against an authority, that authority is still controlling or overly-influencing your decisions. If you try to be autonomous by rebelling, reverse psychology will work on you. Key Concepts: The only thing that you can control in your life are your own decisions and actions. In order to feel in control of yourself and your life, you must take control of (and take responsibility for) your decisions and actions. For good results and good mental health, you need to evaluate all options for yourself before coming to a decision or taking an action. Decisions and actions need to be based on what you have concluded is best. You actively (although not always consciously) will begin to see yourself as the authority of your own life. At that point, outside authorities no longer need to be rebelled against. You can accept their input without feeling that they are going to overwhelm your autonomy.
Replies:
Re: Reverse Psychology by Beth · May 13, 08 - 4:36 PM Re: Re: Reverse Psychology by anonymous · May 20, 08 - 7:04 PM Re: Reverse Psychology by Beth · May 21, 08 - 5:26 AM

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