When we were kids I spent a lot of time with my younger brother Quentin. It is sad to think that I have not seen him in almost 3 years now. We talk occasionally, and I hope to see him this summer. I do not, by any stretch, spend the kind of time with him that is required to find him annoying. Things were different when we were kids. I have plenty of memories from my childhood that involve being annoyed by my little brother. One of those annoying memories has become a life lesson for me.
There was a time, when he was seven or eight years old, that my brother was Prince of the Strong Hint. If you had a treat of any sort he would sidle up alongside you and it would begin. (For our example we will say that I was partaking of a frosty beverage, probably Pepsi.)
"I sure am thirsty" he would start. "I really need a drink of something." Soon, he would get concerned that you were not receiving the message and the hints would get more specific. "I wish I had some Pepsi right now". "Pepsi is sooo good".
I am not now, nor was I when I was twelve, very receptive to manipulation. Most people probably agree that it is awful to feel as though someone is trying to bend you to their benefit. This passive manipulation is perhaps one of the worst types. The manipulator is either too cowardly or too proud to come right out and say/ask for what they want. Instead, they attempt to control your actions through an ugly combination of pity and guilt brought on by overtly heavy hints.
I forgive my eight year old brother for employing such a base and lowly tactic. What is your excuse full grown man/woman who continues to bully the people, in your life, with this same strategy?
- Posted from my iPhone
