The more often they’re held accountable by others, and the more often they’re expected to abandon their typical manipulative tactics for more appropriate behaviors, the more “practiced” [disturbed characters] become at being responsible.

There are many not so easy to justify reasons for the prevailing attitudes toward mental heath issues, and as a result, genuine brain dysfunctions – despite their devastating impact on patients, families, employers, and friends – aren’t regarded in the same manner as diseases of the liver, pancreas or lungs.

The tactic of denial can be expressed in several other subtle variations such as feigning innocence, feigning ignorance, and acting surprised. But no matter what form in which it comes, it’s most often merely a way of lying.

Assertive behavior is a key element of healthy, independent, adult functioning. But because asserting oneself is a form of “fighting” for one’s legitimate needs, it’s easy to get confused about the difference between aggressive and assertive behavior.

The character of some individuals is so significantly flawed that they can’t help but to bring much pain, misery, and hardship into the life of others.