MINDSETWeeks to result

The Dependency Strategy

Creating dependence for control

Problem it solves

people who use dependence to manipulate others

Best for

Dealing with people who use dependence to manipulate others

Not ideal for

Those who are overly dependent or insecure

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Dependency Strategy involves creating a sense of dependence in others, either through emotional manipulation or by providing a sense of security or comfort. This can be used to control and manipulate others, often by making them feel guilty or obligated.

Core principles

3 total
  1. People are naturally inclined to seek comfort and security.
  2. Dependence can be created through emotional manipulation or by providing a sense of security or comfort.
  3. Passive-aggressive individuals often use dependence to manipulate and control others.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Create a sense of dependence
    Use emotional manipulation or provide a sense of security or comfort to create a sense of dependence in others. This can be done through constant attention, affection, or support.
    Pro tipBe aware of your audience and tailor your approach to their emotional vulnerabilities.
    WarningThis step can be damaging to relationships and reputations if not used carefully.
  2. Use dependence to control and manipulate
    Once you have created a sense of dependence, use it to control and manipulate others. This can be done by creating a sense of obligation or guilt, or by using emotional blackmail.
    Pro tipBe careful not to overplay your hand, as this can lead to resentment and backlash.
    WarningThis step can be damaging to relationships and reputations if not used carefully.

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
The overbearing partner

A partner creates a sense of dependence in their significant other, using emotional manipulation or constant attention to control and manipulate them.

OutcomeThe partner is able to control and manipulate their significant other, but at the cost of damaging the relationship and reputation.
The enabling parent

A parent creates a sense of dependence in their child, using emotional manipulation or constant support to control and manipulate them.

OutcomeThe parent is able to control and manipulate their child, but at the cost of damaging the relationship and reputation.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Overdoing it
If you overdo the dependence-creating or manipulation, it can come across as insincere or manipulative, which can damage relationships and reputations.
Underestimating others
If you underestimate the intelligence or emotional awareness of others, they may see through your manipulation and call you out on it.
Losing control
If you lose control of the narrative or the emotional dynamic, it can backfire and damage your relationships and reputation.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

This strategy is rooted in human psychology, where people are naturally inclined to seek comfort and security. By providing a sense of dependence, individuals can create a sense of obligation or guilt in others, which can be leveraged to achieve their own goals.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Robert Greene 2 Books Collection Set (The Laws of Human
Robert Greene · 2018
Open source →

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