Provoke

The term provoke is defined by Google as,

“stimulate or give rise to (a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one) in someone.”

Do you ever purposely do something in hopes of a specific reaction from someone? I think we are all guilty of that. We are provoking someone for whatever reason. Usually for me it is for justification, or validation, that they understand how I feel. It’s not a means for me to cause them harm, but more as a communicative tool for them to understand where I am coming from.

For instance, my husband is a very peaceful natured guy. It takes a lot to get him angry and even if he is angry he doesn’t show it. He doesn’t do well with confrontations. It is hard for him to understand my feelings sometimes when he hasn’t felt or delt with certain things.

Sometimes I have to try and provoke him so that he is better able to understand me. It doesn’t always work as he is such a peace keeper, but we have had some defining moments from provoking.

Then there is the other side of this. People provoking me.

I am only a fighter if I have to be. People who try to provoke me, often get the opposite of what they are likely hoping for. I will not sit in silence letting someone attack me, verbally or physically. I will gladly keep the conversation going by stating my point of view.

Sometimes, in my life, I have had to deal with people trying to provoke me negatively on purpose. I use to just take it and hold my tongue even though I knew things needed to be said.

I don’t do that anymore.

I’m not afraid to speak my mind, especially if someone is trying to provoke me to cause me harm. Which, let’s face it, we all know someone who does that.

All I am saying is provoking can be used in different ways. It can cause harm or it can cause understanding. It’s all about how you handle yourself in these situations. Be in control.

Jenn