Chapter 29
When Love Makes Us Blind
PARTICULARS OF A TWILIGHT WALK We now see the element of folly distinctly mingling with the many varying particulars which made up the character of Bathsheba Everdene. It was almost foreign to her intrinsic nature. Introduced as lymph on the dart of Eros, it eventually permeated and coloured her whole constitution. Bathsheba, though she had too much understanding to be entirely governed by her womanliness, had too much womanliness to use her understanding to the best advantage. Perhaps in no minor point does woman astonish her helpmate more than in the strange power she possesses of believing cajoleries that she…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Decode the Defense Mechanism
Think of a time when someone criticized a choice you made and you got defensive. Write down what they said, then write what you heard emotionally versus what they actually meant. Finally, identify what you were really defending—the choice itself or your right to make it.
Consider:
- •Notice the difference between hearing criticism of your choice versus criticism of your judgment
- •Consider whether your emotional reaction was proportional to what was actually said
- •Think about whether the person criticizing you had information you didn't have
Journaling Prompt
Write about a situation where someone's warning turned out to be right, even though you initially rejected it. What made you finally see their point, and how did you handle changing your mind?
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