Tag Archives: projection

Mind reading:
“You just don’t like spending time with me!”

Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 by Alison

People often assume that they know what another person is thinking—and most often these assumptions are negative. Not only are the assumptions usually wrong, mind-reading doesn’t make people want to openly share their deepest thoughts. It often doesn’t make them … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Falling in Love & the Unconscious:
“I’m crazy in love. But friends say I’m setting myself up to be rejected again.”

Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 by Alison

Romantic passion calls forth intensity, excitement, and focus of desire. Intense emotions are generally fueled by psychological “complexes,” that is, heated reactions (positive or negative) to a person or situation reminiscent of a past experience that left a mark on … Continue reading →

Posted in Intimacy | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

“She’s just like my mother! — so weak!”
“He’s just like my father — so controlling!”

Posted on Monday, November 7, 2011 by Alison

The quality of all of our relationships is a direct function of our relationship to ourselves. ~James Hollis Since no one influences our relationship to ourselves as much as our parents, we are often drawn to people who have some … Continue reading →

Posted in Conflict, Intimacy | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Negative Projection:
“I never had children, because my husband didn’t want to, and now it’s too late.”

Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Alison

It was Carl Jung who stated that thoughts and fears that remain unconscious get projected onto others. A wife blames her husband for their decision not to have children, unaware of her own fear of such responsibility. People tend to … Continue reading →

Posted in Conflict | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Positive Projection:
“He is so amazingly intelligent and articulate!”

Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 by Alison

When desirable qualities such as creativity, sensuality, or leadership ability are incompatible with one’s self-image, they often get projected onto others. Positive projection is frequently an integral part of falling in love. Carl Jung maintains that all impassioned, almost-magical relationships … Continue reading →

Posted in Personality Traits | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments