CONTROL Controlling Behavior Hurts Intimacy
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*Crying ("Poor me. Look what you're doing to me. I'm going to get even with you by making you feel guilty.) You feel like a victim and you're genuinely upset, but some people use those emotions to manipulate and control.
*Anger ("You're wrong, and I'm going to be upset with you until you give me my way.") Anger is also a genuine emotion, but it can be used to frighten and intimidate others into doing what you want.
*Cold, silent treatment ("This is what you're going to get from me until you give me what I want.")
*Interrogation ("Where were you?" "Who were you with?") You interrogate when you're afraid. You're looking for the other person to say something you can pounce on.
*Threats ("If you go to sleep without us first resolving this issue, I may not be here when you wake up.") You threaten another person with something you know they feel particularly vulnerable about.
*Withdrawing communication, affection, endearments and sex. This is a variation of cold, silent treatment.
*Criticism or sarcasm. Do it my way or I'll make your life really miserable.
*Denial ("That never happened." "I didn't say that.") You are hoping that you can dupe the other person by challenging their version of what happened. This is particularly destructive when used with children, who learn to use denial as a way to protect themselves from reality.
*Lecturing ("Give me what I want or I'll use my self-righteousness and never give you a moment's peace."
*Playing dumb ("I don't remember any agreement about that.") *Killing with kindness ("What else can I do for you to prove how much a schmuck you are?") This is closely related to martyrdom.
The above ideas were taken from the book, "Do I Have To Give Up Me to Be Loved By You?"
by Jordan and Margaret Paul.