This is my word for today - in short, it’s when you “project” your morals, scruples, values, ethics, etc. - on others. Finding sharp differences in others can come as a surprise or shock at times. “To thine own self, be true”, but always expect the unexpected. FYI
4 Likes
I first figured out projection before anyone explained it to me. It was with an overbearing friend who- without evidence- would accuse others of all sorts of strange things. I finally figured out she was seeing herself in others. For example, she was an alcoholic, and that seemed normal to her, therefore everyone else must also be an alcoholic.
Now that I know it’s a real thing, I see it all the time. Especially on the internet, where we have conversations with strangers and lack any context or knowledge of the people we’re talking to. And it’s always in the back of my mind when I see someone who finds the worst in all people.
We could reverse this: the way you view other people could really be a reflection. That might hit a little too close to home for some of us. It’s an interesting self-defense topic, though. Some of us might be naïve and see no threats in other people; others of us might see threats in every person we meet because we have our own demons we wrestle with.
4 Likes
This is why I’ve advised people to “know” their neighbors
4 Likes
That’s why I don’t judge people. I can’t throw rocks when I’ve got glass. I give the benefit of the doubt until I get to know them. Projection is like stereotyping. Just because people live in bad neighborhoods doesn’t mean they are bad people. I remember a saying when I was younger that said “You tell me who you hang with and I will tell you who you are” that’s an example of a stereotypical attitude. Try to give people the benefit of the doubt before putting your projection on them.
4 Likes
An old saying: “We expect from others what we would do ourselves.” This is often what’s really going on when people say things like “it’s just common sense” or “it stands to reason” or “it’s just normal”.
You can’t get inside another person’s head. The longer you know a person, the better guess you might be able make about them rather than a stranger, but it is still just a guess.
6 Likes
Our unpredictability drives advertisers nuts - and the more they try to hammer us with ads, the stiffer our resistance grows - as it should.
5 Likes
If their morals, scruples, values, credos aren’t like mine I don’t bother with them. Children excused.
3 Likes