I fought less and less this past year when I realized that much of the squawking people do consists of empty threats and impotent rage bc they can't actually back up said threats.
The best way to thwart people like that is to nod and smile and then do the exact opposite of what they demand.
I found that when I'm honest about what's bothering me and what I believe needs to change (gaps in the healthcare system, racism, the war, the way shitbag trolls undermine so much that's good in the world, the housing crisis, poverty, the wage gap, the usual stuff) the people who could change said disaster smirk and then go and make it worse.
So I thought I'd try quiet manipulation again for awhile, as I fade into my old and sickly years.
Thanks so much to SC for teaching me this.
I have used these tactics in the past, but didn't like myself much. It felt dishonest and petty.
But then I realized that honesty and integrity are for building respect and trust.
And there's no way to negotiate with terrorists, Nazis, shitbags, poor bashers, or misogynists.
There's no shame in quietly stabbing somebody in the back if said somebody believes you're garbage.
Sneaking around and legally hamstringing these people while pretending to be a friend seems to be much more effective so far.
Life is much easier now that I'm keeping my disagreements and my political leanings to myself :)
