when I think of what you said, imagining a third option (or world), I flash to dissociation (similar to switching, and splitting personalities), which is allright to do if you need to, but in the long term, it shouldn't be given as advice for something someone should do. The whole definition of psychosis has to do with "imaginary" (not real) worlds and the inability to distinguish them.
But, I propose that there is a third option. Something in between passivity and aggression, I guess I would call it holding your ground, or just being. I first came across this concept, and I have been applying in my behavior everywhere I can, when I read this quote by Rabbi Nilton Bonder, of Brazil:
Many people believe that humility is the opposite of pride, when, in fact, it is a point of equilibrium. The opposite of pride is actually a lack of self esteem. A humble person is totally different from a person who cannot recognize and appreciate himself as part of this worlds marvels.
Humility. Just being. Not judging. Doing what is needed, because it is needed, not out of spite or for personal gain. That is the third option, that is not imaginary. Of course, we are going to slip and slide around it, but that is the goal to strive for. It helped me enormously just to finally know that it exists.
This is a hard concept to get across in today's culture. Even Roget's thesaraus says the antonym is pride. No wonder there is so much self-hatred around today. If I could set a goal for myself, why not changing that in the Roget's thesaraus? I'd take pride in getting that accomplished. Now I'm confued. :freak:
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