Thread by @medicalaxioms

It’s tempting to make Other People the cause of Life’s Problems.

It’s quick and easy—assume their motives, pass judgment and assign blame.

The downside is loss of power. As a result of placing blame outward, you accept that people control you; direct you; dominate you.

In the short term, it feels empowering—you are good, other people are flawed.

In the long term, you become disempowered; dominated, imprisoned, & victimized by every next person you blame.

They all have the power to cause you more problems. You can only turn away, again.

I see this all the time. Friends get more and more frustrated, “If only people would behave as I dictate and do what I want, I could be happy!”

I used to say, “I’m sure that day is coming.”

Now I say, “A different approach might cause you to suffer less...”

It’s sometimes read as inconsiderate or heartless on my part. I understand. I am Other People and I am often blamed for problems.

Deep down I come from a place of compassion. I like to see people abandon habits that cause them to suffer and adopt habits that make them strong.

Other times, people tell me I don’t know what it’s like to have their Other People who REALLY ARE the source of their problems.

I can’t argue. Do what you like. Let others be your master and control you if you wish. Maybe you will get them to obey and make you happy.