Keyhole said:As you have stated, I think we are both narcissistically wounded, and that it affects us both in contrasting ways. When faced with some form of difficult situation - My automatic response is to try and place blame on ANYONE else other than myself, and to make certain expectations which ( I can see in hindsight) are completely unrealistic and STS. This does not help the relationship in any way because Thorn tends to do the opposite - to blame everything on herself. Which usually leads to the same scenario playing out over and over again.
I have read ISOTM, it has helped me understand alot just the first time reading it, and when I look back at situations where I am being controlling and abusive I can observe how mechanical I can be (I remind myself of my mother or father). I say to myself 'next time self remember' 'observe' but as you said... the programmes cannot just be switched off and when the next situation crops up it seems as if it is already too late, I am identified and have already switched between multiple different I's. To be able to spot it in another's scenario is one thing although it is certainly very difficult applying it to MYSELF and my own relationships.
This is very encouraging, keyhole. A very big step in controlling our programs is knowing that we have them. And, I know that it is very hard to point out our own programs to others, as you have done here, and with Thorn. So kudos to you.
Keyhole said:Nienna said:When you say that keyhole likes to be as honest as possible, do you mean that he always tells the truth, or tries to?
When am in an emotional state I CLAIM to be honest at all times, and in that very moment I truly believe this is the case. It is so easy to lie to oneself, and this is one lie that very often I believe. When saying things like this to Thorn - knowing that she has not read any of G's material - I take advantage of her knowledge (or 'lack of') of what G explains about lying to oneself and everyone else. This is not a 'conscious' decision to do this, I genuinely forget all that I have read previously in that moment and it is only afterwards that I attempt to asses what may have actually happened.
Yes, we lie to others, and ourselves, all of the time until we can start to get control of it. And the fact that your cannot see it "in the moment", but only afterwards is how the process of observing ourselves works. The more you observe yourself running this program, the more you will be able to see it sooner, as in while it is running, then, you will see it as it starts and, pretty soon, you will be able to cut it off at the pass, so to speak. So you are on the right track. :)
Keyhole said:I would like to add that it is very often ME who feels like the victim and make Thorn out to be the victimizer. When this is far from reality - if anything, I am the victimizer in this relationship! And due to both of our sets of programmes running simultaneously - this continues to happen... It is only today that I observed one of my programmes and caught it before it took complete control, I had a cigarette and we sat down and spoke about it in a calm way... I honestly hope things will improve with a broader knowledge base for us both - and intense inner struggle ( which hurts so much at the time! )Nienna said:Thorn, please don't be too hard on yourself while you are trying to get programs under control.
Excellent. And even better that you two could sit and discuss it. As far as you making Thorn out to be the "bad guy", it's fairly common with narcissistically wounded people. However, that's not much consolation for Thorn. Since both of you are Working as a pair, complete honesty with each other, and yourselves, is really important. It should help immensely if you two would come to the network with any problems that arise so that you can get the feedback from the network - that's what it's here for. If you feel embarrassed doing this, it is only internal considering. You need to decide what is more important to you, your self-importance, or becoming a better person. Networking on problems gives several different points of view, or maybe several of the same point of view which would be very telling.
Keyhole said:In regards to my brother - as Happyliza explained, he seems to have completely ponerized my family since I was away. They excuse all that is said or done, put it down to 'immaturity' and therefore attack me and Thorn when we dare to say anything that opposes this. It is upsetting for me seeing my mother attempt to deal with this situation the way that she sees best, when I am aware of his manipulations. Thorn explained her opinion that the best way is to let her deal with it herself and not to break her free will, which is something I do a lot as well. The 'Saving my mum' programme I guess.Nienna said:And, if keyhole's brother is a psychopath, he will be very good at hiding it. So just because he has become different, it just means that he has really secured his mask. Psychopaths are good at making people think that they were wrong about them, or even start to make people think that they are going crazy by accusing a psychopath of doing something wrong. So keep both of your guards up.
It is very hard to watch people get taken in by psychopaths, or pathological people so the way you feel is normal.
It has been proven that psychopaths are VERY good at getting people on their side and keeping them there. Even when it was shown to these people that the psychopath had been lying to them, stealing from them, etc., a lot of the people continued to stand by the psychopath. So, yes, they have to learn on their own - if they ever do.
If you have to live with, or stay in contact with your family, don't discuss your brother with them. If they bring up the conversation, just say that you have nothing to say about the matter. At least, that is how I see it. Doing anything else will only push them farther from you - which thinking about it may not be so bad for you two.
Keyhole said:Thankyou again
You're welcome. ;)