RULE 89
Martyrs crave recognition
Being a martyr is quite like sulking, really, except that normally when someone sulks they go away and do it privately. That’s sort of the point. Martyrs like to sulk in public, and draw attention to it. Then they make sure you know that they’re suffering, and often that it’s your fault.
There are lots of things that cause martyrs to feel bitter. Their own low self-esteem, or the fact they feel undervalued. Maybe it is your fault, I wouldn’t know. The point is that they are resentful because, in their eyes, they are not getting the recognition they deserve. And instead of just asking for it (and here’s the ‘difficult’ bit), something in them responds by making complaints and veiled criticisms directed at whoever ...
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