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Hello Beautiful,
I pray you are doing well and moving forward in the right direction in your life. I had a thought the other day after one of my counseling sessions and it caused me to ask this question,” Why do people seem to find pleasure or satisfaction in hurting someone you say you love?” And when they tell you that you are hurting them, especially emotionally, you continue to do it. As you probably know by now, I love research and learning something I have never heard of before. Did you know that there is a word and definition for people who act like this? It’s called schadenfreude. The English word that is equivalent to it is called epicaricacy. You don’t have to concern yourself with how to pronounce it, because it was hard for me at first. But what is important is the definition. According to Wikipedia, the definition is “the experience of pleasure, joy, or self-satisfaction that comes from learning of or witnessing the troubles, failures, pain, suffering or humiliation of another”. Queen, plain and simple, it is “emotional manipulation”. I want to encourage you to watch out for this negative spirit that is trying to suck the joy out of your life. Today, I want to share with you some strategies to preserve your joy amidst the storms of emotional manipulation. Protect yourself with these empowering techniques to safeguard your happiness and maintain your emotional well-being. In a world where negativity can be contagious, it's vital for you to arm yourself against those who seek to transfer their misery onto you.
Recognizing Emotional Manipulation: The first step in protecting your joy is recognizing when you're being emotionally manipulated. This can take many forms, including guilt-tripping, gaslighting, or constant criticism. Trust your intuition; if something feels off, it probably is. Pay attention to patterns of behavior and how they make you feel.
Setting Boundaries: Once you identify emotional manipulation, it's essential to establish and enforce boundaries. Communicate clearly and assertively about what behavior is unacceptable to you. Remember, it's okay to say no and prioritize your own well-being. Surround yourself with people who respect your boundaries and uplift you.
Cultivating Self-Compassion: Emotional manipulators often try to undermine your confidence and self-worth. Counteract this by practicing self-compassion. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during challenging times. Remember that you are worthy of love and respect, regardless of what others may say or do.
Building a Support Network: Having a strong support network can be a powerful defense against emotional manipulation. Surround yourself with friends, family, and mentors who genuinely care about your happiness and growth. Lean on them for support and guidance when you're feeling overwhelmed.
Developing Emotional Resilience: Emotional resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity stronger than before. Cultivate this resilience by embracing life's challenges as opportunities for growth. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or journaling to stay grounded and centered amidst chaos. Remember that you are capable of overcoming any obstacle that comes your way.
Seeking Professional Help: If you find yourself struggling to cope with emotional manipulation, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide you with the tools and support you need to navigate difficult situations and heal from past trauma. Remember, prioritizing your mental health is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.
In a world where emotional manipulation is all too common, sis, you must protect your joy and well-being. Stand firm in the fact that you deserve to live a life filled with joy, love, and fulfillment. Remember who you are and whose you are.
Many blessings,
Dr. Doris
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