William had worked hard and become very successful. However, his three adult-sons were lazy, selfish and narcissistic. They expected him to provide everything. Even worse, they were demanding, rude, abusive and criticized everything William did.
They expected William to bail them out of business problems, and buy them cars and houses, while they neglected him. They never called or send birthday or holiday presents. Even worse, they bullied William by saying if he didn’t give them everything they wanted, they’d keep his grandchildren from him. Their wives were even worse to William.
They told William he had a father’s duty to take care of his children no matter how they abused him or failed on their own.
Finally, William had enough. He gathered them at what they thought was a big gift giving and he told them he was done. He was not taking their rotten behavior anymore. No more bailing them out, no more big gifts and no more abuse. They were all adults with families and they could provide for themselves. He knew they were smart and capable of getting what they wanted on their own.
He had decided to be with people who would love him nicely, not pick his pockets.
He told them he was testing them. Would they be nice enough to him to be worth giving or leaving anything to?
At first they rebelled. They cursed and threatened him. They said he was blackmailing them. He smiled and agreed. They were old enough to accept, “Pay for performance.” They could choose how to behave toward him and he could choose what to do with his time, energy, love and money.
I’m not saying what happened next because William was excited with what he’d said and did. He didn’t feel guilty. He felt free of leaches who were sucking his blood. He felt full of energy and strength. That was most important to him.
Obviously, the same pattern applies to toxic parents and other relatives who want to drain your blood and pick your pockets.
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.