Threats

When you think of the word ‘threat’ it never brings up a positive feeling.

Right?

The definition is…

“A threat is a statement or action that indicates an intention to cause harm, damage, or other negative consequences.”

It seems we live in a world today where many like to use threats to achieve something. Has it always been this way? Or, am I just noticing it more now?

Doesn’t it seem that our political arena is full of threats? Daily. Maybe it is because it is so easy to put out threats now on social media. Maybe it’s an easier way to live, instead of working towards something together.

In the business world, in personal relationships, and in politics, I think when someone uses threats it does these things:

It scares the recipient of the threat. Of course. That’s the plan.

It causes the recipient to either walk away, or to push back.

It never improves a situation. Instead it causes worry, and fear, and it can certainly cause ill will, and walls to go up.

Threats that can be backed up (like: do this or I will destroy you, follow me or I will take you down, vote this way or I will tell the public some secrets about you) will work. It has proven they do.

But, what does it say about the person who threatens?

Are they trying to get the upper hand? Trying to be a bully? Just innately mean? Are they compensating for a lack of understanding?

I have been fortunate to live with people who do not use threats. I don’t have personal relationships with any, and if I did, I can guarantee I would just walk away. I’d exit from their lives. Why? I find peace of mind, and feeling calm too important to me.

Maybe that is why when I see it used, especially in our politics, it turns my stomach. I have little respect for anyone who falls back on using threats as a way to try and get their own way.

By now you know who I am talking about, right?

Threats to harm someone physically, mentally, and emotionally, are ploys, ways to play games, and have no place in honest and serious negotiations.

Threats can go hand in hand with lies. Because, threats when not backed up are lies. But the damage is already done.