(This text is not about what concretely is or is not a placebo.)<\/p>\n
Gentle slope<\/em> – principle<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Many people do depend on their placebo, like a kind of crutch. To abruptly take this crutch away can have negative results: people fall and break another leg.<\/p>\n
So, the gentle slope<\/em> is not for being afraid of change. Actually it is (part of) what is most efficient<\/em> towards change. In many cases, the non-gentleness in \u2018change\u2019 rather appears to be a resistance, since it\u2019s quite probable that such change will like a pendulum\u2026 soon fly the other way again.<\/p>\n
How-to<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
As far as I can see, an aggressive fight<\/em> against placebo \u2013 or worse: aggression against placebo-engaged people \u2013 very seldomly leads to success. In many cases, the result is opposite: a hardening of parties, both in the trenches, internally being miserable.<\/p>\n
So, how-to? Some \u2018tips\u2019:<\/p>\n
Keep being rational.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to bring rational arguments. Of course, make sure they are<\/em> rational.<\/p>\n
Talking about them at several occasions may make them stronger and may also make you stronger in bringing them. It\u2019s not altogether evident. Certainly not if you think it is without you doing your proper research, your homework<\/em>. It takes some work to really help people, which is of course what you\u2019re aiming at.<\/p>\n
However: not coldly. Rationality may quickly turn into a cold stance that appears cold-as-ice. So:<\/p>\n
Show your warm emotions!<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
It\u2019s a mistake to think that this goes against rationality. On the contrary: both need each other [see: \u2018AURELIS USP: \u2018100% Rationality, 100% Depth\u2019<\/a>].<\/p>\n
Come to the issue again and again.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
A \u2018side-effect\u2019 of placebo can be that it makes people deeply<\/em> dependent. Never underestimate this.<\/p>\n
Also, never see in it a diminishment of someone\u2019s worthiness. You may better see this as what a placebo does to people. So, repeatedly tackling the issue \u2013 in a gentle way! \u2013 may be needed. Every time you touch the person, you may find a new opening. Eventually, you may get inside.<\/p>\n
Motivation. No manipulation. Thus, always respectful.<\/p>\n
TRY to help in \u2018not breaking another leg\u2019.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
An alternative may be your empathy. Another helpful factor may be \u2013 guess who writes this \u2013 AURELIS.<\/p>\n
Actually, it\u2019s best to have an alternative in place before<\/em> the dependence on placebo disappears. This way, you really help the other person (or yourself) who might<\/em> even be grateful to you. I guess (s)he will be if you give it enough time.<\/p>\n
Let the other person change from inside.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Give room and time (patience). Put seeds in the ground. No trees.<\/p>\n
Anyway, a planted tree would risk falling down through lack of strong roots.<\/p>\n
People generally do not want to be dependent on placebo. [see: \u2018Placebo Is Not Good for You<\/a>\u2019]<\/p>\n
People do generally want to \u2018grow\u2019, if properly supported.<\/p>\n
Of course.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s at stake is themselves.<\/p>\n