I have always been a planner.
I am also very Type A, the one who organizes, gets things going, gets people moving along.
I’m that friend that gets you out the door on time for the dinner reservations, I’m the one that gets everyone organized and into teams on those fun bowling nights, I’m the one that gets everything packed so we can be out the door for that road trip.
I recognize this in me.
I have consciously backed off on this driving impulse inside me.
I can and often have just let things happen.
But it is not my nature.
So when I am one on one with a friend, or in a relationship of some kind…..
I still like to plan. I think ahead.
I not only make plan A, but also B, C and D.
If this happens, then we can do this…
If that happens, then we can do that….
So then, in my own personal life… I act the same way.
I create plans… A, B, C, D and more….
And I think if one thing happens, then this is what I will do,
And if another thing happens, then this is what I can do……
So some have pointed out that this may be manipulative or controlling.
That I am trying to get people to do things my way.
Yes I like to be organized, and when I see a solution, I like to offer it as a choice.
But I am not trying to get people to do things they don’t want to.
I am not attempting to control another person or manipulate them.
To me it is not… Being Manipulative is trying to make someone do something they do not want to do.
I am simply planning for different scenarios, and I have options for each.
I am willing to go with the flow, at the same time, is it wrong to have a backup plan?
Is that being controlling of the situation?
Am I manipulating someone if I am giving them a different option?
I am not demanding they do what I want, I am only planning and giving options.
Food for thought…