Destructive Relationships

I just had a realization this morning. Have you ever been in a destructive relationship? Have you ever been around someone who plays the I-know-you-think-this-way-about-me game? Someone may say to you, "I know you think I'm sinful, and you don't like me." Then they sit back, watching you. After all, if you don't say something, then you must obviously agree, right? So, you feel forced to give an account and a defense, and prove your love to the person. "No," you say, "I don't think that way, and I do love you." Then they make the you-don't-sound-sincere face, and so you feel compelled to nearly crawl on your knees to prove your agreement and love to this person. At the same time you feel angry and violated, but you're not sure why. And it was all for thoughts and words you NEVER even said.

Another variation of the game goes something like, "so you don't agree, huh?" You wake up out of your daydream, and the person repeats the question louder, and you feel compelled to voice your agreement, and you'd better say it in a believable manner. Otherwise, there'll be Hell to pay.

Well, I see this game now. I suppose that such people are highly insecure, and play this manipulative game to feel assured of your love, your approval, or even your allegence. By God's grace I will no longer participate in a destructive relationship. I'll be silent as Jesus did when he was accused, or I'll talk about something entirely different. They may twist off at me, or spiral into a deep depression in front of me. Listen! I don't owe someone an account, defense or explanation for words THEY put into my mouth. If they are paranoid, that's their problem.