If you forget something, it doesn't mean it really happened.

His mouth was open in amazement. Her palms were wet. Pulse quickens. Body tense to the limit. Your brain chaotically recalls images of the past, but stubbornly refuses to show you what you've been told for half an hour.

The fascinating story your conversation partner paints with his words refuses to form a logical picture of your memories. He is convinced that the events described did not happen and doubts that they could have happened at all. 

But his interlocutor insists. He describes the details in vivid detail. He repeats the words he said at the time. There is an understanding that the words could have been like that if these events had happened. But I have no memory of these events! No!

The longer this goes on, the more he doubts his own adequacy. You begin to believe the story, relive the events described, and convince yourself that you simply forgot. It is possible. Bad memory. Who doesn't? 

The panic is unleashed. Anger stays to yourself. Perhaps a feeble attempt to justify the insignificance and insignificance of these memories. But inside, the anger is still there. And fear: what else can be forgotten? Isn't it time to see a professional?

You are trapped here. In fact, you haven't forgotten anything. The narrator says there was no event in which you were involved. Your memory is good. There's nothing wrong with that. What's not normal is someone manipulating your memory.

Yes, memories can be manipulated. Initially, it happens in small events. For example, recalling something that was mentioned in passing a week ago. Something trivial and insignificant. It will also be stressed that it was not said deliberately, but in passing.

Of course you will believe it. Do you have enough memory to remember every single word you say to someone in passing? It is strange and interesting why the interlocutor remembers it, but it doesn't matter. If it was, it was. Nonsense.

Then you move on to more serious memories, events that happened maybe a month ago, maybe a year ago. They may not be very significant on the scale of life, but they will cause surprise and initial doubt

Then something more serious will come up. But not immediately. Before that, you'll be immersed in small events that you won't remember for a long time. You will go through each stage:

- Denial - you still think it's nothing and doesn't matter. You will attribute it to your inattention or something else. You will try to remember. Sometimes thoroughly, sometimes less so. But the shadow of doubt about the truth of the past still lingers;

- Self-defense - proving it didn't happen. You may even remember what you actually did that day and that hour. In some cases, he even remembers what he was wearing. You'll try to prove your memories are false, looking for new evidence, but your insecurities will start to break down. Doubts about your own memory will intensify;

- defeat - the certainty that your memory is not working and that the events really happened. In some cases, your brain even painstakingly paints memories of events that never happened. And there you are not far from mental disorder.

The question remains unanswered: why does the manipulator need all this?

It is simple. The longer you are manipulated, the more you tend to believe in the truth of your words. After all, he remembers! He is sure of what he remembers! Here's what really happened. 

Gradually you begin to trust and believe him. If he says it, it's true. He knows better. He becomes the authority. You must follow his instructions.

The moment you try to remember non-existent events, you are at your most vulnerable. He can be forced to do what he wants. And you will accept it.

That's all. Your will is broken. You've become an addict. Now you can be manipulated at will.

If the manipulation of your memories continues for too long, you can kiss your mental health goodbye. Permanent.

How to resist?

Trust no one. Trust yourself. If you think something hasn't happened to you, it has happened to you. Exceptions: if evidence is presented that cannot be disputed. For example, photos, videos. But even in these cases it is worth asking: is it fake? Modern editing possibilities are endless.

If you still have the worm of doubt, do not be lazy to look for other participants or witnesses of the facts. Preferably not the ones who told you. The picture may be completely different.

It is also likely that more people will prove to you that things happened in a way you don't remember. No need for conspiracy theories and intrigue. They probably don't remember anything themselves and will only listen to the reason of the person who seems most convincing. In essence, they are in the same trap as you, the lack of memories.

Trust your memory and it will not fail you.

Photo: dreamstime.com

I thank God for his help in writing this article, and you, dear readers, praise him if your reading has been helpful to you.

I want to know your opinion.

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Good luck to you readers read.cash🖐

28.02.2022.

@Belozoriana