How can I give up hope that my beloved narcissists, bullies and tormentors will eventually change? That’s the wrong question. Never give up hope.
A better question is: “What should I do while I’m hoping they’ll finally change?”
For example: read the previous post about Jeri (alienated and estranged by her ex and her children) and James (controlled and bullied by his toxic, narcissistic parents).
Some therapists recommend you give in, accept all the fault and plead with narcissistic bullies in order to show you still hope.
Many people accept this advice. How can you give up on them? Of course, people who accept this path suffer daily. Their hopes are raised then dashed at each new example of uncaring, anger, hatred, cruelty and abuse.
This path isn’t about maintaining hope. It’s maintaining the illusion that wishful thinking will be answered, that a miracle will occur, and magically they’ll be transformed – instantly and easily one night.
I’ve never seen this path work.
I recommend you live magnificently and with joy while you maintain hope.
Of course that’s hard when your dreams have been destroyed and you wonder what you did wrong or what you might have done differently. But there it is. And there are methods to help.
While you’re hoping and wishing and praying and lighting candles, you’re not letting them suck your blood or whip you like you were their slave. You’re telling them what amends they must make in order to be accepted back into a tribe of people who behave like humans. You’re setting standards. You’re being a model to everyone else.
So don’t be miserable while you’re hoping.
What can stimulate toxic bullies to change?
Ancient wisdom and my observations lead to the same conclusion. They have to lose everything and suffer enough before they begin to change. Unfortunately, hurting you is not suffering to them; they enjoy it. Then they have to apologize in public and make public amends. If circumstances don’t make them suffer, they won’t change.
Of course, there are many complications depending on your situation. The best way to learn how to take power in your life and to be the person you want to be is to hire Dr. Ben for personalized coaching and counseling so you can:
- Develop the strength, courage, will and determination to be and to act your best resolutely, diligently and effectively.
- Develop a plan and master the skills necessary to create the life your spirit has always hungered for.
Since all tactics depend on the situation, call me at 1-877-8Bullies for expert counseling and coaching by phone or Skype.