Is this just manipulation?
this post was submitted on 27 Feb 2026
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A majority of human interaction is some form of manipulation. I think the question should be what degree the manipulation serves the manipulator versus the mark. For example, my wife compliments me for not looking like a total piece of shit. This both helps diminish tendencies in me she dislikes (helping her) and encourages me to not be a piece of shit, which given that my wife generally looks out for my best interests, helps me as well. From the opposite perspective, gaslighting is a form of manipulation that only benefits the manipulator... Hence why it's frowned upon.
And thus began the drought that wiped out 95% of terrestrial species. The other 5% learned to like salt water.
Gaslighting the weather
Me telling the 6” of snow that it’s going to melt at 17° because it’s sunny outside.
They should love and accept the rain cloud for who it is.
Screw that, make it rain! I love the rain!
While some people identify possibly problematic themes with this, for me it was quite moving. My family in particular have always seen this version of me that I never saw, especially not when I was suffering from depression and only seeing myself as someone who didn't deserve happiness, and once I started therapy it made it easier for me to start appreciating myself more. They saw the person it would take me a very long time to give myself permission to discover.
This reminds me of that.
Yeah this seems to be more “even when you’re feeling down about yourself, you’re still loved and valued.” At least that’s the message I got from it.
Though I can see how it can be interpreted as toxic positivity for others.
Hey if people kept touching me, I'd develop flames too
Refreshing rain > deadly laser
Deadly laser? The sun is not a deadly laser, for one thing the emmision band is far too wide for that. It's more of a deadly heat ray.
🎶Not anymore, there's a blanket...🎵
cringed so hard it burst into flames
Yeah... Well, try calling me sunshine when in a grumpy mood and see what happens, I dare you.
Yes, let's get the clouds to turn into giant balls of fire!