The way that most of us, and most especially, mental health professionals, have traditionally been taught to view human nature and behavior is actually the biggest obstacle to understanding and dealing effectively with the unscrupulous and devious folks among us.

One of the most effective ways for impaired characters to victimize others is to conceal their malevolent intentions while simultaneously prompting their “target” to accede to their desires. Manipulators win by using clever tactics like “gaslighting” to get the other person to back down or give in.

Whether you happen to struggle with anxiety or you’re in a relationship with a difficult person, it’s important to recognize the vicious cycles that fuel your difficulties and commit to breaking them at their earliest, weakest point.

If there’s one thing that’s anathema to any aggressive personality, it’s being told: “No.”

Society can set all the limits and boundaries it chooses. But the willingness to respect those boundaries and limits instead of trying to get around them is an a matter of each individual heart.