Resentment

[Martin Hash]

Most people like to control their own destinies. If everyone could choose what they wanted to do, it is unlikely that taking orders from someone else would be their preferred occupation. Because Control is an evolutionary imperative, no matter what kind of person you think you are, or how competent a manager you may be, resentments against you will build. Therefore it is in your best interest to remain quiet around those you wish to impress. If you would like to maintain the respect of those you command, you must keep your relationship formal. If perchance those who must obey you have the opportunity to see you in an unguarded casualness, the familiarity will cause them to compare your actions against their own and you will be found wanting. Remember the old saying, “familiarity breeds contempt.”

The fundamental base emotion of resentment is proof against pop-psychology solutions. Once someone loses respect for you, it cannot be regained. Do not invest any time in trying to recover the past association – it is better and more efficient to exit the relationship as soon as possible. Of course, the person you dissolve your association with will hate you even more but since there was no chance of turning-back-the-clock anyway, it is simply better to get the deed over with.