My issue with your response is that you clearly misunderstand the Grey Rock approach/technique and are disagreeing with it despite not understanding what it is/how it is applied. Maybe do someone research and come back and then we can discuss it. And, I’m not saying that in a snarky way despite you calling me damaged for disagreeing with you (LOL, hello kettle) |
Normal people don’t need to be gray rocked. If you are being gray rocked, you pretty much have been enough of a jerk that the other person has to consciously keep you at arms length. Normal people also respect social clues! If someone is gray rocking by responding to your question without details, a normal person moves onto to something neutral and light, they don’t get angry that you didn’t give them juicy details of their life. It really is a test for narcissists. |
What is the gray rock method?
https://psychcentral.com/health/grey-rock-method https://health.clevelandclinic.org/grey-rock-method How the Grey Rock Method Can Protect You From Abusive People and Toxic Interactions One excerpt: Grey rocking can work in some situations,” Dr. Markley says, “And it can be particularly effective in situations with individuals who have a certain pattern of behavior — like people who thrive on chaotic and explosive interpersonal interactions.” People with personality disorders or narcissistic tendencies often need to get an emotional rise out of you. That’s why they communicate the way they do. They may not even realize it themselves, but they’re agents of conversational chaos. And they’re trying to manipulate you, like putty in their hands. But if you’re doing your best impression of a rock, you aren’t giving them what they’re looking for. It's not surprising that a lot of relatives who need the gray rock method are also politically or religiously extreme compared to most. |
This is likely the healthiest behavior to maintain if you can, especially with people you’re not especially close to and likely never will be. A little warmth and listening can go a long way, but otherwise just doing your thing is ideal. The difficulty comes in when dysfunctional dynamics are more systemic, and in these cases (ie, with family), they often can be. Some concerns to consider about using the grey rock approach:
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a61546935/gray-rock-method/ |
I had not thought about this, but you are correct. The same relatives who are rigid, emotionally volatile and at times abusive are extreme with politics-far right and far left to the point you cannot have a discussion and they are more alike than different in their need to be right, defensive and loud. |