Reverse Psychology

My father was the wisest man I've ever known. He never raised his voice or even a hand to me. It wasn't until I was older, and the years had flown that I realized his wisdom was reverse psychology. Dad asked a lot of questions and gave me leeway to allow me to decide for myself, right or wrong. Some decisions made; I must admit led me astray but Dad's guidance kept me from being headstrong. I was never disobedient or rebellious as a child but Dad's approach to rearing was a good technique. He avoided saying, "No" to me, and when he smiled, his gentile persuasion was not in words to speak. I remember thinking I didn't want to be college bound Dad didn't argue the point, saying, "It's your decision." Another accepting smile left me thinking, how profound! I was having second thoughts that might need revision. Reverse psychology is an effective form of influence. If told not to do something, most people can't resist. Or a suggestion that we SHOULD seems an issuance like a command. A strategic method to cease and desist. It's a game of mind control without brain cells knowing that they're being subtly manipulated in an influential way. Without telling a falsehood and having a nose growing, it's an intervention where the opposite outcome is in play.