Bert’s therapy/Session 33: Leashed

There’s still something I don’t

understand about control

addiction.

What’s that?

You say everyone is addicted

to control.

Right.

Does that mean control addiction

is part of human nature?

Well, I’m not sure what “human

nature” means. So I’d put

it differently.

It’s perfectly normal for human

beings to be addicted to control.

It just isn’t healthy.

“Normal” isn’t healthy?

God no. How many normal

people do you know?

Lots.

And how many healthy

people do you know?

I see what you mean.

But I still don’t see what’s

normal about trying to control

everything.

Do you ever worry about the

future?

Sure.

You’re addicted.

Do you ever obsess over

the past?

Of course.

You’re addicted.

Ever hide your feelings for

fear of how others might

react?

All the time.

You’re addicted. Ever worry

about whether people will

like or love or accept you?

Constantly.

You’re addicted. Ever lie or

manipulate or distort the

truth to get what you want?

Okay, I get it.

Ever avoid annoying or

uncomfortable situations?

I said, I get it.

Ever plan? Strategize?

Analyze? Fantasize?

Agonize? Dream?

Ruminate? Obsess?

You can stop now.

Just making my point.

Controlling is so ordinary

that most of the time we

barely notice we’re doing it.

But life comes to feel like

we’re trying to walk seven

dogs at once.

Or like they’re walking us.

I’m starting to notice that.