Something you say or act, seen someone else say or act, reading, imagine or just an elaborating thought, that inflicts intimidation.
Ideas so far:
"Don't disobey me"
"Don't disappoint me again"
"Lie to me and see what happens"
"I won't hurt you if you tell me the truth"
Hurt someone and tell them to shut up/be quiet.
Some people are easier to intimidate than others. There are healthy, strong minded people, and there are weak minded pathetic ones. Usually, the latter feel they are pretty worthless on their own, so the only confidence boosts they get are related to other people. Some develop what I call special snowflake/victim syndrome. They delude themselves into thinking they are special and exactly what "even the bad boys/gals" want or need. In truth, a healthy person would never want such a person around them for too long.
Here's an example illustrating the special snowflake/victim mindset:
17:29 Piles the Beaver: What I noticed is that there are people who are perfect targets for them, and they seem to flock towards these people
17:29 Kitten: I believe that might be true
17:29 Piles the Beaver: My step father has three assholes he's dealing with, and he prefers them over most of the people he knows.
17:29 Kitten: I give them enough challenge and satisfaction I guess ^^
by EdvardSome people are easier to intimidate than others. There are healthy, strong minded people, and there are weak minded pathetic ones. Usually, the latter feel they are pretty worthless on their own, so the only confidence boosts they get are related to other people. Some develop what I call special snowflake/victim syndrome. They delude themselves into thinking they are special and exactly what "even the bad boys/gals" want or need. In truth, a healthy person would never want such a person around them for too long.
Here's an example illustrating the special snowflake/victim mindset:
17:29 Piles the Beaver: What I noticed is that there are people who are perfect targets for them, and they seem to flock towards these people
17:29 Kitten: I believe that might be true
17:29 Piles the Beaver: My step father has three assholes he's dealing with, and he prefers them over most of the people he knows.
17:29 Kitten: I give them enough challenge and satisfaction I guess ^^
This is an interesting topic. I'll answer from both sides.
The ideas you put forth only work on me if I believe the person has the capability to hurt me. Both physical and mental capability. There is nothing less intimidating than an empty threat. In that case, it's a reflection of power that has already been established.
"Don't disobey me" and "Don't disappoint me" make me inclined to do the opposite. It establishes power in my favor, since my actions are provoking the response. I disappointed you? Let me see just how disappointed you can get.
If I feel that someone is actually capable of hurting me, and they directly say "do this or I will hurt you," then the balance of power is in their favor. I know when to back down, and I end up with a bit of respect for the person who made me. Strange how that works.
From the other side - I don't try to intimidate people, but I've been told that I do. A superficial analysis of this is my ability to twist things into being either positive or negative.
Generally, when you ask someone a question, they want to give the 'right' answer, for whatever value of 'right' is appropriate. The answer that will impress, the answer that will maintain the self image they are trying to present, whatever. So to cut through that, no answer is 'right' except the raw and honest one. Everything is subject to judgement, and every judgement can be negative.
It's disorienting, and takes away the feeling that they're standing on solid ground. Is that your final answer? Let me twist that a bit for you. Still sure about that? And so on. I can generally sense the 'honest' response when it comes through, and then the conversation can begin.
People who know me best tend to laugh at me when they know I'm doing it to play, but I think it's so ingrained in my personality that I find it hard to relax and accept things at face value.