Hi All,
After attaining a second hand cheap as, yet pretty cool tablet laptop, i can now doodle messy sketches and color them directly into my computer. Since i am producing artwork pretty quickly I decided to open a deviant art account to store my drawings.
Feel free to follow me on deviantart.com at http://itrybutinotverygood.deviantart.com/
I don't really blog much as i don't have much to say these days...
I won't be active on this blog anymore really... i'd prefer to hang at deviant as it is perfect place for some one like me. There is "note section" there too.
Anyway,
Thanks for checking me up
Farewell
the Haymer
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Monday, June 8, 2009
Origins of The Invalidator
How Does Invalidators Arise?
First off lets find out how we can hope to indentify one
To Indentify an invalidator ask few question:
Is the person hurting you?
Do you feel comfortable with what they are saying?
Is this communication distort?
Are they insincere?
In reality there are no such things an Invalidator or types of people that are Invalidators. It is stated that only 1% of people are consciencely and purposely invalidating others and another 20% of the people are unconscience of invalidating others. I'm sure the further 79% of the population are not exempted from some form of using validation some time in their lives and would be unconsciencely guilty of using some of the invalidation mechanism outlined. If you are truly pure, then stay that way! The invalidation personality can be very destructive and contagious!
People most are generally not born invalidators they learn to become one and evolve to be one. The underlining reasons they may become one is:
1. They did not get enough nurturing or attention.
2. They strongly want to get their way
3. Someone had been nasty to them in the past
4. They don't feel good about themselves
5. They have neural chemical imbalances
Underliningly... one who uses invalidation feels:
1. Inferior
2. Not in Control
Hence naturally to counteract these above negative feelings, they will want to strengthen their...
-Ego, due to lack of Self-esteem
-Arrogance, due to lack of self confidence
-Entitlement, due to Lack of self worth
All of the above can be a natural response without them knowing themselves.
The above points are accomplished by attaining superiority from belittling and controlling others. Again...understand that in essence people are not born as these snake-like (venomous and slippery) personalities. It is rather people use these invalidation techniques or bring out the this temporal invalidation personality. Such personality arises from the selfish ego entity. Ego is the source of arrogance and selfish desires. Since it is the most self lacking entity it requires constant fulfillment and as we can see the sources of it's fulfilment can be quite destructive (damaging to others and self). Most people in their lives are not exempted from such behavior at times, even the more 'cultivated' of all of us may not catch themselves doing so. It is a devil personality we need to be aware of.
~ Managing the Invalidators and Yourself ~
Since the underlining trigger of invalidation is ego and the feelings of inferiority. Sometimes a good thing to do is to truthfully acknowledge their good traits (not flatterly) and that she/he is OK. Sincerely put their virtues and strengths in perspective and encourage that. This is not flattery this is encouraging them to love themselves more and to show that they are just like or as good as anyone. We are all humans beings, we all have our good traits aswell. We are all wonderful and can do and be alot of things. C'mon...even the most selfish person has good traits right?...or at least potentially have (help them cultivate that).
If someone is mean to you just remember you are OK, in essence don't feel bad about yourself. We are dynamic creatures and can always improve and rectify ourselves with enough will. Don't allow yourself to be type casted into a pigeon hole then live out a negative stereotype or personality. He said "i'm stupid, i'm so am *sob* so i might as well stay so". If you truely did a mistake it's ok to feel bad for what you've done. This is a sense of shame and it is not a bad thing but refrain from allow it to mangle your own self-esteem. The person you are and what you did are seperate things, never too late to improve. Learn from your mistakes, move on and do not dwell in others peoples bad perception or your own self perception of negativity.
An Invalidator will try to get you to dwell on your wrongs and exploit it. If it is something you did wrong, better to be honest, direct and thank them early. "Sorry... you are correct i made a mistake, thank you for that". You made a mistake, who in this world is perfect? If they persist and continue to push you down, just simply stop their destructive ways by saying something like "As my true friend allow me time to consider and ponder my mistake and resolution". They could insinuate things like "but are you truely going to change?", "Well it takes time and effort, if we can all change so quickly neither you or me would have to be here, everyone would reach perfection in an instance". Let them know of there invalidating ways, don't let them play you any longer.
Of course, if you haven't done anything wrong then even better, no need to worry what others think. Their negative perception will be their own sufferings. Just say something like "though i do disagree but point taken, i respect your opinon and i shall consider it in due time". If they say "oh! your too stubborn" or insinuation negative things you could say "I feel uncomfortable that you react in this way, please give me space to consider". If they are your true friend they will back away and give you it.
~ Know Thy Trueself (Deeply Philosophical Aspect) ~
In essence your "true nature" does not inflate due to others people praise or deflate due to other peoples criticism. If this is happening it is happening to the ego entity. It is thus this entity that is controlled in such a manner. Think about it...if we deflate or inflate due to other people words we are actually allowing ourselves to be govern by them. The way we feel is moved by our feelings that are govern by others people words (impermanent words)...are we then not their prisoner?
In essence due to the ego we become the slave of others. The ego is always wanting positive reinforcement to depend on for comfort, and strenghtening itself against negative reinforcement for security, yet they both build one thing...illusive EGO.
To depending on EGO that is already inferior, insubstantial and illusive how can we be in control and feel comfortable or safe? In doing so of course there will be a continous cycle of no self worth, no self esteem or no self confidence.
Hear my summarising prose:
The "true nature" needs no comfort!
Why seek comfort in that which is impermanent?
Know that which does not change and dwell in its peace,
That is true comfort!
The "true nature" needs no security,
What is the point of securing a door painted to a indestructable wall?
Rub out the door painting and there is nothing to secure at all,
Your already safe!
"Know that which does not change" is to awaken to true self.
"Rub out the door painting" is to rid the ego.
If one awakens to true self and rid/reduce of ego,
How can an invalidator harm and disturb you in the first place?...
If one awakens to true self and rid/reduce of ego
How can we be invalidators ourselves?
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Countering The Invalidator
If you feel constant jabs of discomfort when you are with someone, take a look at what he or she is doing. An invalidator will put you in a position where you wrong whether you do agree or not.
Once an invalidator has you introverted and thinking, your beginning to come into his control.
Among an Invalidator be mindful:
- Do not introvert only, notice their feelings/thoughts and motive.
- Do not take it personally, seek to understand why they may say or think things.
- Step back and take a look, look at the big picture and be objective.
- Do not defend youself, instead confront their thoughts and feelings.
If it is truely an invalidator, in the end it is not about you it's about them, to be sure we need to really "know thyself". Ensure that the spot light is not on you but is on them. Below are some techniques to help you deal with an invalidators attacks.
~ Confrontingly Show Knowing ~
Look at them in such a way that you know what they are doing.Make them quietly aware that you know all their mind games.One could use certain face expressions, shaking of head, a knowing smile etc.
Eg...I am a vegetarian. I knew my auntie knew that i was vegetarian but she said to me.
"Are you hungry? there is some chicken over there go eat some "I gave her a long confused expression without saying a word (confronting look) till she was forced to say something.
she said "OH, so you don't eat ANY meat?"I asked "but um..isn't that you know i'm vegetarian already?"She replied "oh so you don't even eat meat sometimes?". I said "that's correct".
Was reading a beneficial non-fiction book and my friend came a long and said."OH! so your reading THAT stuff again" (in a slight demeaning tone of disapproval).
I replied "my friend, you say it like i shouldn't?" (rhetorically asked)
He embarassingly smile and went on his way.
I failed to recall a key past conversation with a friend once. She said "You never listen!" (maybe consciencely or unconsciencely trying to make me feel bad).
I replied "Well you know, it's not about listening or not but about being able to always retain what i hear, i'm no tape recorder you know". (calmly and jokingly).
What she should be saying, "It makes me frustrated when you forget these types of things i tell you". Even though it may be a complaint you may not be able to help at least it is not a generalisation or a judgement that attacks your self-esteem. In essence they shouldn't expect so much anyway, it only lead them more negativity.
~ Play a game ~
You could play the game yourself
HER "You never listen!"
ME "i'm sorry, what? please repeat"
HER "you don't listen"
ME "sorry couldn't catch that"
HER "SEE! YOU DON"T LISTEN TO ME"ME
ME "sorry just can't hear ya"
HER [make a frustrated look]
ME [smiles]
"now that was an example of not listening"
"If i continue like this forever then what you say about me would actually be true, unfortunately that is not the case".
This little game is to make it obvious that the bad feelings are their own and that pushing their feelings on to you just won't work, they need to be responsible for them. They may feel bad about something so they may try to make you feel bad about it, it could be unconscience but it is a natural reaction of the ego...blaming others.
Playing this game also allows them to see that what they originally said is a generalisation and judgement that is inaccurate. If you truely "never listen" then it would be played out like this game always.
Warning: This is probably a bad example to handle the situation and it only flares the other up even more and they WILL get angry! so i don't recommend it.
~ Question Motives/Feelings ~
"hold on...i told you about 'this' so of course i cannot do 'that', how come you still say these things or bring it up?"
"How come you think/feel that way?"
"Tell me about it, whats on your mind?"
"Are you trying to imply/say is 'say what you think' ?, only just trying to understand your feelings that is all brother/friend"
"I can't help but i feel your implying "say what you think', please tell me your thoughts"
Lay it all out in the open, shake them out of their facedes and hidden meanings. Use your questions, reasons and feelings to uncover them. Remember true invalidator are slipperly and love to hide!
~ Repeat Please ~
"Could you repeat that, please?"
This is a simply and effective way of putting them on the spot. If they brave enough to repeat that then maybe their self-esteem is not so low after all. Give them much respect for being brave. Maybe go "Very good! i commend you for being honest and straightforwardness". But chances are what they said they wouldn't repeat or at least repeat it in that intially intended offensive way. They'd be too chicken. Chicken more so in a sense that they know they're wrong and afraid you'll find them out rather being afraid of hurting your feelings.
~ Express Your Feelings ~
"I feel embarrassed, angry, being put on the spot" "i don't like the way you said that"
Pretty straight forward no one can argue with the way you feel. It's quite a powerful way to seek rapport and empathy or understanding.
~ Privately Confront ~
Take them aside privately and discuss with them, uses the above techniques if needed. This should be straight forward. Since it is private they will be less likely to hide in facades, others or jokes.
~ Mirror the Projection ~
Push it back at them, ask them the same question back.
eg.He may asks you "Why didn't you help her out?"You reply "yeah! so why didn't you help her out?"
She says "How come you didn't go? (tone of disappointment) You should have went with them, they must be been disppointed in you."(try make you feel bad)
You reply "Sorry couldn't, how come you didn't? since you didn't go too, sad that we in the same boat."
She rebuts "yeah but i was busy that day."
You rebut "same deal hun, can't be help can it?"
~ Conclusion ~
From the patterns above we see that the focus in handling invalidation techniques is focusing on them, their selves, feelings and motives. If we merely defend ourselves the focus is still on us and an invalidator can thrive on that. Good friends will tend to back away at this point and repect you but an invalidator probably will not, remember they need to feel superior to you so they'd want to win. Put your energy into shifting the perceptive and expose them out of their hiding, put your gleaming light of "awareness" on them.
There was a time i noticed a friend being overly critical at many instances in a conversation, trying to attack my shortcomings and self-esteem at every angle. I tolerated it and patiently let it continue enough times to have some ground to work with. Finally i directly pointed it out "I feel abit uncomfortable, you've been very critical of me at many instances in these past conversations, what is bothering you?".
After a time of defending themselves they realised their mistake and we discussed each others feelings, i was able to learn of my own mistakes in handling them and we both were able to take a step back and humble ourselves. This is example of shifting the perpective and without even the need to defend myself.
If it is untrue they will realise it on their own accord. Of course...whether they admit it or not that is a different story!
To Be Continued....NEXT PHASE "Origins of The Invalidator"
Once an invalidator has you introverted and thinking, your beginning to come into his control.
Among an Invalidator be mindful:
- Do not introvert only, notice their feelings/thoughts and motive.
- Do not take it personally, seek to understand why they may say or think things.
- Step back and take a look, look at the big picture and be objective.
- Do not defend youself, instead confront their thoughts and feelings.
If it is truely an invalidator, in the end it is not about you it's about them, to be sure we need to really "know thyself". Ensure that the spot light is not on you but is on them. Below are some techniques to help you deal with an invalidators attacks.
~ Confrontingly Show Knowing ~
Look at them in such a way that you know what they are doing.Make them quietly aware that you know all their mind games.One could use certain face expressions, shaking of head, a knowing smile etc.
Eg...I am a vegetarian. I knew my auntie knew that i was vegetarian but she said to me.
"Are you hungry? there is some chicken over there go eat some "I gave her a long confused expression without saying a word (confronting look) till she was forced to say something.
she said "OH, so you don't eat ANY meat?"I asked "but um..isn't that you know i'm vegetarian already?"She replied "oh so you don't even eat meat sometimes?". I said "that's correct".
Was reading a beneficial non-fiction book and my friend came a long and said."OH! so your reading THAT stuff again" (in a slight demeaning tone of disapproval).
I replied "my friend, you say it like i shouldn't?" (rhetorically asked)
He embarassingly smile and went on his way.
I failed to recall a key past conversation with a friend once. She said "You never listen!" (maybe consciencely or unconsciencely trying to make me feel bad).
I replied "Well you know, it's not about listening or not but about being able to always retain what i hear, i'm no tape recorder you know". (calmly and jokingly).
What she should be saying, "It makes me frustrated when you forget these types of things i tell you". Even though it may be a complaint you may not be able to help at least it is not a generalisation or a judgement that attacks your self-esteem. In essence they shouldn't expect so much anyway, it only lead them more negativity.
~ Play a game ~
You could play the game yourself
HER "You never listen!"
ME "i'm sorry, what? please repeat"
HER "you don't listen"
ME "sorry couldn't catch that"
HER "SEE! YOU DON"T LISTEN TO ME"ME
ME "sorry just can't hear ya"
HER [make a frustrated look]
ME [smiles]
"now that was an example of not listening"
"If i continue like this forever then what you say about me would actually be true, unfortunately that is not the case".
This little game is to make it obvious that the bad feelings are their own and that pushing their feelings on to you just won't work, they need to be responsible for them. They may feel bad about something so they may try to make you feel bad about it, it could be unconscience but it is a natural reaction of the ego...blaming others.
Playing this game also allows them to see that what they originally said is a generalisation and judgement that is inaccurate. If you truely "never listen" then it would be played out like this game always.
Warning: This is probably a bad example to handle the situation and it only flares the other up even more and they WILL get angry! so i don't recommend it.
~ Question Motives/Feelings ~
"hold on...i told you about 'this' so of course i cannot do 'that', how come you still say these things or bring it up?"
"How come you think/feel that way?"
"Tell me about it, whats on your mind?"
"Are you trying to imply/say is 'say what you think' ?, only just trying to understand your feelings that is all brother/friend"
"I can't help but i feel your implying "say what you think', please tell me your thoughts"
Lay it all out in the open, shake them out of their facedes and hidden meanings. Use your questions, reasons and feelings to uncover them. Remember true invalidator are slipperly and love to hide!
~ Repeat Please ~
"Could you repeat that, please?"
This is a simply and effective way of putting them on the spot. If they brave enough to repeat that then maybe their self-esteem is not so low after all. Give them much respect for being brave. Maybe go "Very good! i commend you for being honest and straightforwardness". But chances are what they said they wouldn't repeat or at least repeat it in that intially intended offensive way. They'd be too chicken. Chicken more so in a sense that they know they're wrong and afraid you'll find them out rather being afraid of hurting your feelings.
~ Express Your Feelings ~
"I feel embarrassed, angry, being put on the spot" "i don't like the way you said that"
Pretty straight forward no one can argue with the way you feel. It's quite a powerful way to seek rapport and empathy or understanding.
~ Privately Confront ~
Take them aside privately and discuss with them, uses the above techniques if needed. This should be straight forward. Since it is private they will be less likely to hide in facades, others or jokes.
~ Mirror the Projection ~
Push it back at them, ask them the same question back.
eg.He may asks you "Why didn't you help her out?"You reply "yeah! so why didn't you help her out?"
She says "How come you didn't go? (tone of disappointment) You should have went with them, they must be been disppointed in you."(try make you feel bad)
You reply "Sorry couldn't, how come you didn't? since you didn't go too, sad that we in the same boat."
She rebuts "yeah but i was busy that day."
You rebut "same deal hun, can't be help can it?"
~ Conclusion ~
From the patterns above we see that the focus in handling invalidation techniques is focusing on them, their selves, feelings and motives. If we merely defend ourselves the focus is still on us and an invalidator can thrive on that. Good friends will tend to back away at this point and repect you but an invalidator probably will not, remember they need to feel superior to you so they'd want to win. Put your energy into shifting the perceptive and expose them out of their hiding, put your gleaming light of "awareness" on them.
There was a time i noticed a friend being overly critical at many instances in a conversation, trying to attack my shortcomings and self-esteem at every angle. I tolerated it and patiently let it continue enough times to have some ground to work with. Finally i directly pointed it out "I feel abit uncomfortable, you've been very critical of me at many instances in these past conversations, what is bothering you?".
After a time of defending themselves they realised their mistake and we discussed each others feelings, i was able to learn of my own mistakes in handling them and we both were able to take a step back and humble ourselves. This is example of shifting the perpective and without even the need to defend myself.
If it is untrue they will realise it on their own accord. Of course...whether they admit it or not that is a different story!
To Be Continued....NEXT PHASE "Origins of The Invalidator"
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Invalidators Arsenal - Part 3 of 3
~ Hidden Message ~
They may say things like:
-"I love you" (Translation:Not really just saying it to get your love")
-"How you going! there!" (tone of disgust) (translation: pttf you again)
This can be indicated by a tone of insincerity. But thats OK "Accept insincerity with true sincerity" and you cannot suffer. Remember you have control over your own level of suffering you experience.
Hidden messages or double meaning is also inherit in sarcastic jokes, they are called "tropes", in regards to jokes we all know it is a joke. Be careful that most joke are half-truth or at least has some true essence about them (else they won't be funny). But of course the whole idea of jokes is we don't take it personal anyway, that is why they aren't so offensive (depending on the joke).
~ Cutting You Off ~
They may ask you a question about yourself then cut you off before you finish answering. They may ask you a leading question "do you still quarrel with your wife?" and you may not be able to answer this without appearing wrong. They may ask you a question and cut you off at the instance they feel you are in control of the convo. Remember their intention is to be in control of you.
Handling Suggestions:
This can be an opportunity to exercise our patience and tolerance. Or if you do need to speak, let them know "sorry, please hold on let me finish my words and after i shall listen intently to your thoughts". Of course they cannot not let you finish but maybe they act as though they not interested in what you say, or...feel what your saying not worth their time to them and imply that in their demeanor. This is again a mechanism to make you feel bad for taking control of the conversation or to get you to stop talking. If they truly a good friend, they would want to really listen to your thoughts and your also important to them. But of course if you talk to much even your best friend could get annoyed or sick of it. In that case it's not their fault either.
~ Build to Topple ~
They will use your self-esteem to control you as they learn confidential entrusted information about yourself. They will shower you with compliments till you are totally dependent on them for feeling good about yourself and then will take you apart piece by piece until you are in their control.
The whole idea is to cause arise feelings of anxiety and self-conscienceness, subtly drawing your attention to your most negative qualities. This then makes you feel more guilty, helpless, insecure hence more susceptible to control.
They build you up then pull you down below them so they can feel superior. "The higher i build them the harder they will fall". Ironically they will always be the first to offer some kind of help after your topple and there motive is full of self fulfilled desires. After a while you begin to look at them for your sense of worth and security.
~ Trapping ~
Trapping is one of the most annoying things an Invalidator can do to you and really make your blood boil.
Your gf/spouse/partner might say "it's either your mother or me!".
On the one hand you lose your mother, on the other hand you lose your partner.
Three points to identify is...
1. It is their game
2. It has threat of disastrous affect
3. We are responsible to the threat
Handling suggestion:
"I am not going to choose, i'm going to do what i need to do and you can choose" (i am not going to play your game). "Their 'attack' was for you to choose, so to disarm their attack is to take away the choice from yourself and give it back. This is called "Mirroring". An Invalidator is like this because they fail to acknowledge the bigger picture."~nastypeople
In conclusion...
Above are the part of the most common tools that an Invalidator uses, I've suggested some of my own ways of dealing with them but of course some of these what works best for my temperaments and ways of communications. I myself am a big follower of compassion, a level of courtesy, preferring patience and tolerance, thinking positive and letting gone be gone. Therefore this is the way i prefer to handle things. Find your own style.
I've helped define anInvalidator a few entries back and now have finished defining some of their invalidation weaponry array. My next entry will be the books suggested ways of countering an Invalidator which doesn't really depart from what I've been suggesting .
TO BE CONTINUED
They may say things like:
-"I love you" (Translation:Not really just saying it to get your love")
-"How you going! there!" (tone of disgust) (translation: pttf you again)
This can be indicated by a tone of insincerity. But thats OK "Accept insincerity with true sincerity" and you cannot suffer. Remember you have control over your own level of suffering you experience.
Hidden messages or double meaning is also inherit in sarcastic jokes, they are called "tropes", in regards to jokes we all know it is a joke. Be careful that most joke are half-truth or at least has some true essence about them (else they won't be funny). But of course the whole idea of jokes is we don't take it personal anyway, that is why they aren't so offensive (depending on the joke).
~ Cutting You Off ~
They may ask you a question about yourself then cut you off before you finish answering. They may ask you a leading question "do you still quarrel with your wife?" and you may not be able to answer this without appearing wrong. They may ask you a question and cut you off at the instance they feel you are in control of the convo. Remember their intention is to be in control of you.
Handling Suggestions:
This can be an opportunity to exercise our patience and tolerance. Or if you do need to speak, let them know "sorry, please hold on let me finish my words and after i shall listen intently to your thoughts". Of course they cannot not let you finish but maybe they act as though they not interested in what you say, or...feel what your saying not worth their time to them and imply that in their demeanor. This is again a mechanism to make you feel bad for taking control of the conversation or to get you to stop talking. If they truly a good friend, they would want to really listen to your thoughts and your also important to them. But of course if you talk to much even your best friend could get annoyed or sick of it. In that case it's not their fault either.
~ Build to Topple ~
They will use your self-esteem to control you as they learn confidential entrusted information about yourself. They will shower you with compliments till you are totally dependent on them for feeling good about yourself and then will take you apart piece by piece until you are in their control.
The whole idea is to cause arise feelings of anxiety and self-conscienceness, subtly drawing your attention to your most negative qualities. This then makes you feel more guilty, helpless, insecure hence more susceptible to control.
They build you up then pull you down below them so they can feel superior. "The higher i build them the harder they will fall". Ironically they will always be the first to offer some kind of help after your topple and there motive is full of self fulfilled desires. After a while you begin to look at them for your sense of worth and security.
~ Trapping ~
Trapping is one of the most annoying things an Invalidator can do to you and really make your blood boil.
Your gf/spouse/partner might say "it's either your mother or me!".
On the one hand you lose your mother, on the other hand you lose your partner.
Three points to identify is...
1. It is their game
2. It has threat of disastrous affect
3. We are responsible to the threat
Handling suggestion:
"I am not going to choose, i'm going to do what i need to do and you can choose" (i am not going to play your game). "Their 'attack' was for you to choose, so to disarm their attack is to take away the choice from yourself and give it back. This is called "Mirroring". An Invalidator is like this because they fail to acknowledge the bigger picture."~nastypeople
In conclusion...
Above are the part of the most common tools that an Invalidator uses, I've suggested some of my own ways of dealing with them but of course some of these what works best for my temperaments and ways of communications. I myself am a big follower of compassion, a level of courtesy, preferring patience and tolerance, thinking positive and letting gone be gone. Therefore this is the way i prefer to handle things. Find your own style.
I've helped define anInvalidator a few entries back and now have finished defining some of their invalidation weaponry array. My next entry will be the books suggested ways of countering an Invalidator which doesn't really depart from what I've been suggesting .
TO BE CONTINUED
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Invalidators Arsenal - Part 2 of 3
Continuation of the many combat tactics of an Invalidator
~ Judgment ~
They make a judgment about YOU! if someone is making a judgment of what you "did" this is not as bad as if they are negatively judging YOU as a person.
From the previous blog entry example underlining the statement "you are irresponsible" the person is passing a judgment on you as a person. They could also imply "Obviously! Everyone would agree that your are irresponsible!". Since you also might agree that forgetting the milk was irresponsible, you might assume that perhaps you are irresponsible."~nastypeople. One begins to question oneself and doubt self. This is the whole idea of an Invalidator to break you away bit by bit. It is more advantageous for them if you've made a clear mistake, now they have an EXCUSE to judge you.
If that person was really responsible for their feelings they would instead say "i am angry that you didn't bring home the milk". Instead an Invalidator would try to shun responsibilities of their own feelings. The Invalidator would act as if everyone would agree that his judgment is correct. Attacking your self-esteem instead of the real problem.
~ Manipulation ~
Manipulation is "controlling" in a bad way especially for selfish gains. Compelled to win and to be in control. In such instance you may be pressured to let them have things their way. The methods can range from small manipulations to outright domination.
They may dominate a whole conversion, set its parameters, fix the boundaries in such a way that no matter what they says they will always be right. Any thoughts or idea you have will be cut down, chopped and processed...what you say isn't really important to them. Any resistance or disagreement then "your too stubborn!" (JUDGMENT!!). Of course they make this outburst, remember they want to control you and get their way. They force you to pick up what they want and in most cases you just can't be stuff resisting and you begin to feel guilty and wronged for submission. Even worst you can still feel guilty and bad for not submitting to them. The difference between a friend and an Invalidator is motive. In the end a friend will back away and respect you, an Invalidator wants to control you period.
eg. (Excerpts from the book)
"Your boss wanted you to work overtime yet you cannot as you have other commitments. She may comment "there needs to be more dedication in this company". You may remind her of your extra hours yet she hopes that you enjoyed the extra pay even though you did so to actually help out. You then feel bad that they could attribute lower motives for your efforts and feel she truly doesn't know you. She continues to say overtime pay is nice but this is the time she really needs you. You tell her you cannot let the other commitments down but she may say people let other people down all the time and if you let a person down when they really need you, how can you truly be relied upon. Understand that they will just work you to death and take all the credit. They can even think that it is they who did the work."~nastypeople
If they say things that undermines your true intentions/abilities etc, stay firm/calm and do not worry if they think that way, if they truly think that way about you then they truly don't know you, who can blame them for their shortsightedness, so be done with it. In this regard we should not care what other people think about us. "If we always seek for other peoples approval we become their prisoners"~Lao Tze.
Handling Suggestions:
My motto is always try to think positive in all instant and concentrate on courtesy and compassion. Maybe they don't really think that way about you but use those words to get you to do what they want...have we caught our own selves doing this? Therefore lets be more accommodating about it. If you truly know yourself and can find your self-worth from your own inner self you don't have to prove anything, stay calm and don't take it personal. Say things like "it makes me sad that you feel that way about me", "if you truly think like that of me then i guess i have nothing more to say, i assure you they were not my thoughts" and stand firm.
~ Sneak Attacks ~
"i don't want to upset you, but..." (she probably does want to upset you)
"i hope this doesn't insult you..." (here comes the insult)
The voice will be soft but it pierce like the sharpest dagger, yet used with a facade of the utmost concern.
The key in this statement is their sincerity in saying these words. Are they doing so because they truly uncomfortable with what you've done and need to voice in out in a best way they know how, or they just saying so you put you down and make them feel more superior then you? Understand that if they say these sentences with insincerity they do it probably to vent their own self-esteem issues and make themselves feel better (put you down to make you feel bad).
Handling Suggestions:
I personally don't encourage people to always think negatively about what others say. "I am most delighted when people can let me know of my faults...they are my greatest teachers" ~ Confucius. Be objective and use this as an opportunity to grow and learn rather then thinking about despising the other person. You'll only make yourself feel worst and suffer more, but hey it's anyone's choice.
"Accept insincerity with true sincerity". If it is true we accept and make it positive and try to improve self, if it is not true ask them why they think it is so and let them give you examples, don't take it personal. In private sessions discuss and seek rapport with them, find out why they say the things they do and why they say it in that way, let them know how you feel when they say it the way they do. There is always a reason for their behavior so dig into it. Also if they see that these words doesn't effect you in the way they intended (make you feel bad or inferior) your in a better position to handle them.
I tend to take these ones with a confronting joke and say it how it is..."haha, you don't wanna insult then here comes the insult, you don't wanna upset but there it comes *give them a wink*... strike under a veil...not bad my friend not bad...haha". 1) if they don't realise their invalidating ways, now they do and you've unearthed them. 2) if they do, well you've confronted them, if they have any shame they will feel a little embarrassed and will move into the joke with you. The advantages of doing it jokingly is to have mercy and give them a place to escape. It is less confronting if we all can laugh at the situation.
In conclusion
Remember, some of these "handling suggestions" are things that work for myself and may not work for others. I try not advocate negative reactions or counter productive solutions, as it only make a worst society to live in. Find your own style but keep in mind if one could muster up forgiveness, compassion, courtesy, patience and tolerance i recommend it very much. Maybe it's difficult to do so, but if it can be done we become the better persons and make it a better place to live in by example.
My next entry will be the final part of the Invalidators Arsenals. After and from there on we will discuss how way to counter an Invalidator.
TO BE CONTINUED!!!
~ Judgment ~
They make a judgment about YOU! if someone is making a judgment of what you "did" this is not as bad as if they are negatively judging YOU as a person.
From the previous blog entry example underlining the statement "you are irresponsible" the person is passing a judgment on you as a person. They could also imply "Obviously! Everyone would agree that your are irresponsible!". Since you also might agree that forgetting the milk was irresponsible, you might assume that perhaps you are irresponsible."~nastypeople. One begins to question oneself and doubt self. This is the whole idea of an Invalidator to break you away bit by bit. It is more advantageous for them if you've made a clear mistake, now they have an EXCUSE to judge you.
If that person was really responsible for their feelings they would instead say "i am angry that you didn't bring home the milk". Instead an Invalidator would try to shun responsibilities of their own feelings. The Invalidator would act as if everyone would agree that his judgment is correct. Attacking your self-esteem instead of the real problem.
~ Manipulation ~
Manipulation is "controlling" in a bad way especially for selfish gains. Compelled to win and to be in control. In such instance you may be pressured to let them have things their way. The methods can range from small manipulations to outright domination.
They may dominate a whole conversion, set its parameters, fix the boundaries in such a way that no matter what they says they will always be right. Any thoughts or idea you have will be cut down, chopped and processed...what you say isn't really important to them. Any resistance or disagreement then "your too stubborn!" (JUDGMENT!!). Of course they make this outburst, remember they want to control you and get their way. They force you to pick up what they want and in most cases you just can't be stuff resisting and you begin to feel guilty and wronged for submission. Even worst you can still feel guilty and bad for not submitting to them. The difference between a friend and an Invalidator is motive. In the end a friend will back away and respect you, an Invalidator wants to control you period.
eg. (Excerpts from the book)
"Your boss wanted you to work overtime yet you cannot as you have other commitments. She may comment "there needs to be more dedication in this company". You may remind her of your extra hours yet she hopes that you enjoyed the extra pay even though you did so to actually help out. You then feel bad that they could attribute lower motives for your efforts and feel she truly doesn't know you. She continues to say overtime pay is nice but this is the time she really needs you. You tell her you cannot let the other commitments down but she may say people let other people down all the time and if you let a person down when they really need you, how can you truly be relied upon. Understand that they will just work you to death and take all the credit. They can even think that it is they who did the work."~nastypeople
If they say things that undermines your true intentions/abilities etc, stay firm/calm and do not worry if they think that way, if they truly think that way about you then they truly don't know you, who can blame them for their shortsightedness, so be done with it. In this regard we should not care what other people think about us. "If we always seek for other peoples approval we become their prisoners"~Lao Tze.
Handling Suggestions:
My motto is always try to think positive in all instant and concentrate on courtesy and compassion. Maybe they don't really think that way about you but use those words to get you to do what they want...have we caught our own selves doing this? Therefore lets be more accommodating about it. If you truly know yourself and can find your self-worth from your own inner self you don't have to prove anything, stay calm and don't take it personal. Say things like "it makes me sad that you feel that way about me", "if you truly think like that of me then i guess i have nothing more to say, i assure you they were not my thoughts" and stand firm.
~ Sneak Attacks ~
"i don't want to upset you, but..." (she probably does want to upset you)
"i hope this doesn't insult you..." (here comes the insult)
The voice will be soft but it pierce like the sharpest dagger, yet used with a facade of the utmost concern.
The key in this statement is their sincerity in saying these words. Are they doing so because they truly uncomfortable with what you've done and need to voice in out in a best way they know how, or they just saying so you put you down and make them feel more superior then you? Understand that if they say these sentences with insincerity they do it probably to vent their own self-esteem issues and make themselves feel better (put you down to make you feel bad).
Handling Suggestions:
I personally don't encourage people to always think negatively about what others say. "I am most delighted when people can let me know of my faults...they are my greatest teachers" ~ Confucius. Be objective and use this as an opportunity to grow and learn rather then thinking about despising the other person. You'll only make yourself feel worst and suffer more, but hey it's anyone's choice.
"Accept insincerity with true sincerity". If it is true we accept and make it positive and try to improve self, if it is not true ask them why they think it is so and let them give you examples, don't take it personal. In private sessions discuss and seek rapport with them, find out why they say the things they do and why they say it in that way, let them know how you feel when they say it the way they do. There is always a reason for their behavior so dig into it. Also if they see that these words doesn't effect you in the way they intended (make you feel bad or inferior) your in a better position to handle them.
I tend to take these ones with a confronting joke and say it how it is..."haha, you don't wanna insult then here comes the insult, you don't wanna upset but there it comes *give them a wink*... strike under a veil...not bad my friend not bad...haha". 1) if they don't realise their invalidating ways, now they do and you've unearthed them. 2) if they do, well you've confronted them, if they have any shame they will feel a little embarrassed and will move into the joke with you. The advantages of doing it jokingly is to have mercy and give them a place to escape. It is less confronting if we all can laugh at the situation.
In conclusion
Remember, some of these "handling suggestions" are things that work for myself and may not work for others. I try not advocate negative reactions or counter productive solutions, as it only make a worst society to live in. Find your own style but keep in mind if one could muster up forgiveness, compassion, courtesy, patience and tolerance i recommend it very much. Maybe it's difficult to do so, but if it can be done we become the better persons and make it a better place to live in by example.
My next entry will be the final part of the Invalidators Arsenals. After and from there on we will discuss how way to counter an Invalidator.
TO BE CONTINUED!!!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Stuff I Wanna Share
Hi all,
After an almost spontaneous reaction to my recent blog entries I have decided to rename my blog to "Stuff I Wanna Share". This sexy beast of a title hits two birds with half a stone, COLD! Not only am I able to continue posting my "not so flash" drawings (if ever i start drawing again), but i am able to share my most inner mundane thoughts and learnings. As the saying goes "sharing is caring"! After all, my most inner desires is nothing more that to share.
but of course not when your sharing your spouse!!! :O!!!! so don't do that!
After an almost spontaneous reaction to my recent blog entries I have decided to rename my blog to "Stuff I Wanna Share". This sexy beast of a title hits two birds with half a stone, COLD! Not only am I able to continue posting my "not so flash" drawings (if ever i start drawing again), but i am able to share my most inner mundane thoughts and learnings. As the saying goes "sharing is caring"! After all, my most inner desires is nothing more that to share.
but of course not when your sharing your spouse!!! :O!!!! so don't do that!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Invalidators Arsenal - Part 1 of 3
In my previous blog entry I discussed the signs of the Invalidator from the book "nasty people". An Invalidator has many methods up their sleeves in regards to invalidating others. The following are the most commonly used outlined in the book.
~ Uncertainty Principle ~
Making you unsure of your own motives/intentions and especially unsure about yourself. Remember the whole idea is to strip you of any confidence or self esteem you have.
They may appear loving for months on end then change suddenly. They begin to cut you down, insinuate things and get annoyed at you or at something else. But no it's not their fault that this happened, somehow they will make it relate to you. You notice the change and ask "whats wrong, whats the matter?" but they will get angry for your accusation and fire it back. They'll respond "Something wrong? can't believe you think there is anything wrong! nothings wrong on my end, your acting strange is something the matter? You don't seem so good you feeling OK?" appearing super concern towards you. In the end you may feel bad for thinking like that and become uncertain about your own feelings. Unfortunately this is what they want, they will exploit this and make the problem yours, all the while being your best buddy about it and assuring you that they are truly helping you. Slowly you can become reliant on them for certainty.
Handling Suggestions:
Just simply be certain of yourself and seek to understanding why THEY have changed or why they acting or thinking the way they are, if it is due to their own insecurity issues confront them enough, find out. Without taking it personal ask them something like "oh really, when did you think *such and such* about me?". Softly level with them and get them to quantify their accusations.
~ Self Projection ~
Underlining the above example is their irresponsibility for there own feelings they are feeling. Therefore an Invalidator can simply take their own feelings and put responsibility for them unto another, as if these feelings originated with that other person.
Eg..a person that doesn't like you may say "I don't think you like me". Such a question would make you question yourself and your own feelings about them "Do i actually hate her?". What this does is put attention on ourselves and we only notice the feelings we have rather than noticing the others feelings.
Handling Suggestions:
Simply ask them "why do u say that? I feel there is something on your mind". Or you can mirror them and say "It's rather, would you say you like me?" or just ask back directly "do you like me?" without answering the question. If they get defensive well, you can portray that as the same reason you ask them back.
Further Note:
For those who are already more sure of themselves and are humbly sincere enough, they will use this opportunity to learn to improve self and seek rapport with the other whether Invalidator or not. The question they may ask themselves instead becomes "what have i done to make her feel this way about me?". This questions implies that the problem is not that we are an inadequate person but rather maybe in our failure to understand the other person Using this as an opportunity to be positive rather then seeing it as a loss to grudge about it. Remember grudging, hating, resenting and despising can take big mental toll on oneself. To sacrifice ones own peace of mind for another's sake is not the way either and in essence your only harming yourself.
If you already sure your own feelings are not what they trying to implying, the issue may be the way you portray yourself (theres always improvement for that). This is to humble oneself and improve your demeanor to your advantage. "The meaning of your communication lies in the response you get"-NLP. Communication is not restricted to words, it incorporate tone, gesture, facial expression or sentence structure etc. So have a look at your way of communication to them too.
~ Generalisation ~
The exaggeration of the truth. They take 'some truth' and make it falsely all truth. They may use your mistakes to their advantage by attacking your self-esteem! Generalisation and exaggeration is used a lot in society and most people do it. Comedian thrives on this technique to be funny. Again try not to take it too personal stay level headed and calm.
eg.
You may work as a casual but went they found out you didn't work that day they say "Man you just don't work!".
"Getting home from work you may be greeted with "you are inconsiderate/ irresponsible/ stupid". This implies you forgot to bring home the milk. She attacks your self-esteem instead of the problem. The problem is that their is no milk not that you are inconsiderate, irresponsible, or a stupid person. "If we logically reason it out even if you are stupid, what could you possibly do about it? How can you solve the problem of being stupid. Supposedly if you went back to the store to get the milk, your IQ would increase by leaps and bounds?"~ Nasty People
Understand the notion that "A person is different to their behavior"~NLP. You may have made a mistake and forgot the milk but that doesn't make you a particular type of person? When you were a kid you used to suck your thumb, are you a 'thumb sucker'? of course not.
Handling Suggestions:
Simply let them know that you feel rather uncomfortable about their words as they generalising these things about you. Remember there is no need to call them names or to attack them or get worked up. If you let your anger run wild your the one at loss and you've taken their bait. That is not the say you should always let it slip either, let them know your feelings but have some patience and exercise courtesy about it.
In conclusion.....
Above are some ways an Invalidator can strike! Please bare in mind that even though we may have met an Invalidator, understand that most people who do so are not conscience of their invalidating ways. Do not take it too personal and try to understand in the end whether Invalidator or not, people are just people. If we can stand firm with our own self-esteem without harboring resentment to another, exercise patience and tolerance these are respectable traits, you'll be better off and you'll be the better person. Think about it... sometimes we are not conscience of our own mistakes and so even we would like to be forgiven when we did not completely realise them.
In my next few entries I will continue to list more invalidation examples but will also suggest and relay ways of confronting it without being negative about it. Stay tuned!
TO BE CONTINUED!!!....
~ Uncertainty Principle ~
Making you unsure of your own motives/intentions and especially unsure about yourself. Remember the whole idea is to strip you of any confidence or self esteem you have.
They may appear loving for months on end then change suddenly. They begin to cut you down, insinuate things and get annoyed at you or at something else. But no it's not their fault that this happened, somehow they will make it relate to you. You notice the change and ask "whats wrong, whats the matter?" but they will get angry for your accusation and fire it back. They'll respond "Something wrong? can't believe you think there is anything wrong! nothings wrong on my end, your acting strange is something the matter? You don't seem so good you feeling OK?" appearing super concern towards you. In the end you may feel bad for thinking like that and become uncertain about your own feelings. Unfortunately this is what they want, they will exploit this and make the problem yours, all the while being your best buddy about it and assuring you that they are truly helping you. Slowly you can become reliant on them for certainty.
Handling Suggestions:
Just simply be certain of yourself and seek to understanding why THEY have changed or why they acting or thinking the way they are, if it is due to their own insecurity issues confront them enough, find out. Without taking it personal ask them something like "oh really, when did you think *such and such* about me?". Softly level with them and get them to quantify their accusations.
~ Self Projection ~
Underlining the above example is their irresponsibility for there own feelings they are feeling. Therefore an Invalidator can simply take their own feelings and put responsibility for them unto another, as if these feelings originated with that other person.
Eg..a person that doesn't like you may say "I don't think you like me". Such a question would make you question yourself and your own feelings about them "Do i actually hate her?". What this does is put attention on ourselves and we only notice the feelings we have rather than noticing the others feelings.
Handling Suggestions:
Simply ask them "why do u say that? I feel there is something on your mind". Or you can mirror them and say "It's rather, would you say you like me?" or just ask back directly "do you like me?" without answering the question. If they get defensive well, you can portray that as the same reason you ask them back.
Further Note:
For those who are already more sure of themselves and are humbly sincere enough, they will use this opportunity to learn to improve self and seek rapport with the other whether Invalidator or not. The question they may ask themselves instead becomes "what have i done to make her feel this way about me?". This questions implies that the problem is not that we are an inadequate person but rather maybe in our failure to understand the other person Using this as an opportunity to be positive rather then seeing it as a loss to grudge about it. Remember grudging, hating, resenting and despising can take big mental toll on oneself. To sacrifice ones own peace of mind for another's sake is not the way either and in essence your only harming yourself.
If you already sure your own feelings are not what they trying to implying, the issue may be the way you portray yourself (theres always improvement for that). This is to humble oneself and improve your demeanor to your advantage. "The meaning of your communication lies in the response you get"-NLP. Communication is not restricted to words, it incorporate tone, gesture, facial expression or sentence structure etc. So have a look at your way of communication to them too.
~ Generalisation ~
The exaggeration of the truth. They take 'some truth' and make it falsely all truth. They may use your mistakes to their advantage by attacking your self-esteem! Generalisation and exaggeration is used a lot in society and most people do it. Comedian thrives on this technique to be funny. Again try not to take it too personal stay level headed and calm.
eg.
You may work as a casual but went they found out you didn't work that day they say "Man you just don't work!".
"Getting home from work you may be greeted with "you are inconsiderate/ irresponsible/ stupid". This implies you forgot to bring home the milk. She attacks your self-esteem instead of the problem. The problem is that their is no milk not that you are inconsiderate, irresponsible, or a stupid person. "If we logically reason it out even if you are stupid, what could you possibly do about it? How can you solve the problem of being stupid. Supposedly if you went back to the store to get the milk, your IQ would increase by leaps and bounds?"~ Nasty People
Understand the notion that "A person is different to their behavior"~NLP. You may have made a mistake and forgot the milk but that doesn't make you a particular type of person? When you were a kid you used to suck your thumb, are you a 'thumb sucker'? of course not.
Handling Suggestions:
Simply let them know that you feel rather uncomfortable about their words as they generalising these things about you. Remember there is no need to call them names or to attack them or get worked up. If you let your anger run wild your the one at loss and you've taken their bait. That is not the say you should always let it slip either, let them know your feelings but have some patience and exercise courtesy about it.
In conclusion.....
Above are some ways an Invalidator can strike! Please bare in mind that even though we may have met an Invalidator, understand that most people who do so are not conscience of their invalidating ways. Do not take it too personal and try to understand in the end whether Invalidator or not, people are just people. If we can stand firm with our own self-esteem without harboring resentment to another, exercise patience and tolerance these are respectable traits, you'll be better off and you'll be the better person. Think about it... sometimes we are not conscience of our own mistakes and so even we would like to be forgiven when we did not completely realise them.
In my next few entries I will continue to list more invalidation examples but will also suggest and relay ways of confronting it without being negative about it. Stay tuned!
TO BE CONTINUED!!!....
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