Control Dramas

Here's a very interesting concept from the book Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield, that is truly an insight into human nature, behavior & modalities that we tend to adopt to consciously/subconsciously control others around us.

(http://www.meaningoflife.i12.com/dramas.htm)

Control dramas or archetypes are role plays / mind games that we often play out in everyday situations and relationships in order to feel in control. We developed these from our relationship with our family in our early years. Here I'll cover the basics of the four control dramas that we play out during daily life, as identified by James Redfield in 'The Celestine Prophecy'.

Aggressive/ Intimidator - On the verge of exploding, threatening, strict, gives orders, inflexible, angry, self-centered, makes you feel afraid

Interrogator - Probes to see what you were doing; critical, undermining, needling, infallible logic, sarcasm, monitors you, can be skeptical, sarcastic, self-righteous, perfectionist

Passive/ Poor me - Always sees the negative, looks for problems, always talking about being busy or tired, makes you feel guilty for not solving her problems. Pulls attention by sighing, trembling, crying, takes the victim stance

Aloof - tends to be distant, busy, away from home, not too interested in your life, unresponsive, secretive, and preoccupied

For example:

When your dad, in an interrogating tone, says "where were you last night?" You may:

- Feel guilty, for no reason and blush, (poor me, victim)

- Or you may just walk away (aloof)

- Or you may say back, “what about you?" (Interrogating)

- Or what do you care? (Poor me)

- If you are cheeky and sarcastic you may say, "I went out, got drunk and had a sex orgy".

- If you are centred you will answer back honestly and objectively - "yes dad, thank you for asking, I was at a night club with .........and we had a great time

- Or perhaps, if it is too much, yes dad, thank you for your concern.

When we were...