The Psychology of Drama

[foxymoonheart]

It's interesting sometimes, how when you read something negative about an unnamed someone, you might wonder if it's about you. Surely, when I rant, I try to avoid ever mentioning names, but it makes me wonder if someone is thinking the exact same thing when they read those rants

Comments

[schnee]

I always wonder if something's about me when somebody makes a post (positive or negative) about someone without naming that person, and it does seem that I'm more likely to assume it might be about me if it's a negative post

[foxymoonheart]

I think I agree, that one reason a person may speak negatively of others is because said person speaks before realizing the words that are coming out of their mouth.

I believe also that people often feel a need for some sense of "justice" which, when carried out with an emotional bias, translates into nothing more than a desire for revenge, which of course only begets more anger and can very possibly lead to a downward spiral.

So let's see what we have so far, the reasons people speak ill of others:

• typical bully syndrome
  
• venting frustrations
  
• seeking revenge
  
• attempting to protect friends
  
• speaking without thinking

A pretty good list so far, I'll say. Thanks for your insight, Schnee. ^.^

[schnee]

*smiles and gives you a warm hug* You're very welcome, foxie... *strokes over your ears and nuzzles affectionately*

[coyoty]

You're so vain, I bet you think this thread is about you.

[pouchedfox]

I find it helps to exorcise my demons and to help people around me know the problems I deal with, it gives context to my issues and explains why I act or feel the way I do.

IE. a bad experience that makes me less trusting of certain situations with people or maybe I have a weird rule of something I don't allow near me because of a bad experience.

also validation and connection, I can say I've had problems with an unnamed person, but when i explain what type of problems then another person can say they aggree or disagree or even give advice, or talk about a similar situation, or by understanding what happened and how I reacted, understand me better.

[foxymoonheart]

Oh, I definitely understand the need to vent at times. But I feel strongly about working toward actually facing demons so that we can grow stronger and move past such experiences, as grow as a person. Not saying it's easy, but rather that it's important to keep trying.

And explaining more details of any given problem does make it easier for others to provide us with insight, which I feel is vital when we're suffering emotionally and may not be able to think clearly.

The important thing is to also respect the person we're talking about, which is why I avoid naming names, even when frustrated with a person. Once we've both collected our thoughts, ideally I'd like to be able to contact the person involved and try to work through our differences.

Alas, I also realize that this isn't an ideal world. But, I like to think I try my best.