Beyond the Self Defense Tweets:
Taken from my self defense tweets on Twitter, these super-short blog posts go Beyond the Tweet and are chosen randomly from the archives.
The Tweet:
If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut, not smiles, charm, smooth talk, or unsolicited promises.
Beyond the Tweet:
Serial killer Ted Bundy was described as “the boy next door.” Extremely charismatic, confident, brilliant, successful, and handsome, he killed at least 20 people. When someone comes off as charming – no matter how good they make you feel – it is important to remember these comparable meanings of charming:
- entrancing (putting one in a trance)
- to be carried away with (under someone else’s sway)
- being under a spell (coming under someone else’s power)
Face it. Grandma was right — All that glitters is not gold.
—
Lori Hoeck
I tweet here @LoriHoeck.
Photo: pnjunction2007
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Hi Lori. This kind of charisma has me thinking this is the same as idolizing somebody. You become so blinded by their presence you can’t think for yourself. I’ve not been in this type of situation before, but I’m willing to bet that this type of person feeds on your admiration.
Hi Davina,
So true, Davina. Idolizing can lead to blind acceptance and a willingness to give way too much of self. I used to idolize movie stars a bit, until I lived in a ski resort and realized they are just the same as the rest of us.
And yes, admiration is some heady ego fuel — for almost all of us!
Yup. I tend to be suspicious of highly charismatic people.
Hi Vered,
Glad to hear it!
Charisma is needed by leaders on a certain level, but when it is used for manipulation, all my warning bells go off.
Hi Lori,
Grandma was smart, wasn’t she? This reminds me of the saying, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”.
I’m cautious of the charming, charismatic people, too. To me, they come across as a little too smooth. You’re right about the warning bells….
Hi Barbara,
My Grandmother was smart and tough, how about yours? That generation had it’s issues, but they knew some foundational wisdom!