“Never put the keys to your happiness in someone else’s pocket.
—Unknown
“If you can’t see anything beautiful about yourself, get a better mirror.
—Shane Koyczan
“Having perfected our disguise, we spend our lives searching for someone we don’t fool.
—Robert Brault
“You never know what’s going to upset a cloud. They are very sensitive.
—Winnie the Pooh
“You’re so sensitive. You’re so emotional. You’re defensive. You’re overreacting. Calm down. Relax. Stop freaking out! You’re crazy! I was just joking, don’t you have a sense of humor? You’re so dramatic. Just get over it already! Sound familiar? If you’re a woman, it probably does.
Do you ever hear any of these comments from your spouse, partner, boss, friends, colleagues, or relatives after you have expressed frustration, sadness, or anger about something they have done or said? When someone says these things to you, it’s not an example of inconsiderate behavior. When your spouse shows up half an hour late to dinner without calling—that’s inconsiderate behavior. A remark intended to shut you down like, “Calm down, you’re overreacting,” after you just addressed someone else’s bad behavior, is emotional manipulation—pure and simple.
Do you ever hear any of these comments from your spouse, partner, boss, friends, colleagues, or relatives after you have expressed frustration, sadness, or anger about something they have done or said? When someone says these things to you, it’s not an example of inconsiderate behavior. When your spouse shows up half an hour late to dinner without calling—that’s inconsiderate behavior. A remark intended to shut you down like, “Calm down, you’re overreacting,” after you just addressed someone else’s bad behavior, is emotional manipulation—pure and simple.
“Would ‘sorry’ have made any difference? Does it ever? It’s just a word. One word against a thousand actions.
—Sarah Ockler
“Love has tremendous healing power. It is a powerful vibration. When you are filled with love, those vibrations are so strong that people around you will feel better in your presence. You will think that others have changed, but they are only responding to your positive vibration. Again, they are your mirror.
—Lise Bourbeau
She once asked me
the name of my
favourite poet
and I repliedGod
She laughed
and played along
and asked me
which one of his
works was my
absolute favouriteI said it was
the one
where he
wrote her
into existence
