Are Difficult People Really Control Freaks?
By ShawnDay
@ShawnDay (227)
June 17, 2007 1:49pm CST
I believe so, and I just read an interesting article that supports my position: http://psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20060925-000001.html
The article points out that people use unpredictable behavior patterns to "keep you off kilter" in order to manipulate and control you.
At the end of the article there are some very good suggestions for staying rational in the face of irrational behavior. It's difficult to do because our natural instincts tell us to defend ourselves and our position amongst our peers. When someone intentionally tries to lower that position, we fight to maintain it.
So the next time some nut case flies off the handle and accuses you of ridiculous things that aren't based in any reality, remember they're merely trying to control you to fill the weak void within themselves.
3 responses
@egortizv (225)
• United States
17 Jun 07
From my point of view, i am a very difficult person and have been told that many times. As well as a control freak. I just sometimes feel like the only way to make sure its done right is to do it myself. from past experiences, i just dont trust people to easily to handle my affairs. I also find i sometimes have better ideas than others.
@ShawnDay (227)
•
17 Jun 07
The problem with that is that you often miss the best solutions to problems or situations because you're not open to input from others.
I have clients like this who end up with half the product they could have had. The good thing is, I have actually won major recognition that has earned other clients (who aren't difficult) lots of money because I reused the good idea that was rejected by the control freak.
I'm not kidding. I'd say that at least 5 of my "rejected" plans that I recycled for subsequent clients have gone on the be major successes. I usually offer my opinion, but if someone is getting aggressive, I back down and simply say, "you're the boss."
@JulyanJameston (17)
•
17 Jun 07
I think so, but I think Im a control freak, so its better not to opinionate.
@babostwick (2036)
• United States
17 Jun 07
I think it would depend but it is interesting to say the least on what the article is talking about. I tend to like to be in charge of something I could handle. Usually I can't depend on too many people to do a task if I ask them to do so.
