Black & white thinking

[Mamatired]

My social worker mentioned that I think in extremes and in black/white thinking. I’d like to become more open minded. Are there any strategies you use to become more aware of this or to be more open?

[hypercat54]

Every time you think in terms of absolutes stop yourself and think of arguments against it. Practise seeing both sides of events and putting yourself in other people's shoes.

I find this helps me.

[Kitten58 in reply to hypercat54]

Try to think of no less than 3 veiws on the issue. CBT classes call this type of reasoning as "defective". And suggest the above as a healthy alternative.

[Hidden in reply to hypercat54]

A very old idea we walk in our own shoes B. because we get corns from someone elses because they do not fit. Life in general, we get corns when lies do not fit the truth. Life then becomes very uncomfortable. Black, White or Grey.

BOB

[Hidden]

Mama

One way I look at things is Black or White remembering life is not like that so I find life can be split in Black, White and Grey because many people do not consider they Lie, it is something in between. My Family was like that were they would mix up a Fact with ommissions or questionable additions. In Grey.

They can be the worst type of person to trust, because they cannot tell the difference between lies and honesty, these sort of people you cannot protect yourself from

BOB

[Opportunity]

You’re in the right place!!! You can practice, practice, practice here by observing it in other people’s posts. And if you see it, help a brother/sister out by offering some middle way (gently and kindly of course)! 😀🤗

[Mamatired in reply to Opportunity]

Very true!!! I still feel like I don’t really understand it but I’m sure there are plenty of examples I can look to on the internet to determine when I am engaging in that style of thinking.

[Tammalu]

Black and white thinking is a defense against fear of the unknown. If you assign people or things into the good or bad piles, then you can make fast decisions and keep yourself safe, supposedly. But black and white thinking limits your opportunities and friends. I read the Bible and try to incorporate Biblical principles in my life. I try to get good counsel from people I trust when making decisions. That's the best you can do to protect yourself!!