Relationship Poison: Projection

Projection is imagination trying to protect us and FEELS real, but does not often accurately represent reality. It causes emotional and relationship gridlock and damages the quality of communication and relationships.

[@kevinjanghj]

What if you are subject to projection by someone else?

[@TheCoffeeCat]

Excellent video on the subject! I wish I had watched this earlier. It would have explained much of what I've been dealing with. My mother projected everything she could on me and I believe I may have inherited her "mind-reading" behavior. I would love it if you could make a video about how strongly empathic people may be more prone to projecting on others, and also on how it may be more tempting to project on people who have intimacy issues and do not talk much about their thoughts and feelings even when prompted. I am wondering if I've been caught up in the perfect storm, LOL. Thank you!

[@transformations.counseling]

Mind reading, aka Projection helps us to be able to read people. We usually develop these coping mechanisms when growing up in chaos. Having said that, once we work on this ourselves, we can use this "skill" for good rather than self-sabotage. Our minds try to protect us from hurt or harm. Mind reading and projection is usually where our brain fills in the gaps using our imagination. Projection can help us feel safer thinking we know what is going on, but is really self-sabotaging. Rarely when projecting do we do so positively, e.g. they think I am great! Rather, usually negative, e.g. they are judging me, don't care, think I'm stupid, etc.