How Do You ‘Deal’ with Someone Who is Irrational and Lies?

Canada has a challenge that should not have occurred in International Relations. One can only assume that we will usually be dealing with rational actors, — those who understand the consequences for irrationality, ignorance and stupidity.

But the problem for Canada, is that Donald J. Trump is not ‘just’ irrational, ignorant and stupid. He is also a pathological liar, who may well suffer from dementia.

Avoidance, is impossible, because Trump is adversarial and aggressive, therefore his ‘tariffs’, which have no rationality between nations that have actual agreements in existence, means that there must be some form of response.

But what should that be with a man who has no grasp of reality?

Psychologists suggest that ignoring won’t work, as Trump’s behaviour stems from “a misalignment of the brain that makes people unable to respond to facts or logic.”

https://youexec.com/book-summaries/talking-to-crazy

It is recommended that one employ the ‘Sanity Cycle’ to prevent a descent into a fight or flight response. Recognize that the person can’t reason, then identify their Modus Operandi and realize their behaviour isn’t about you. Listen calmly and mirror their emotions. Then gently guide them toward more positive thoughts.

All this may well be well and good with someone who will ‘at some point’ return to normalcy. But what does one do when that person is incapable of ‘normalcy’?

This isn’t some theoretical question. Canada is in this exact position. Reaction to a person is unstable that provokes a response may well result in an outcome that only worsens the existing problem.

While it would seem, when speaking of ‘normal’ human beings, having three brains, Trump suffers from damage to at least one of his “Triunal” brains. Triunal rigidity, makes a person unable to respond to changed circumstances. It causes their brains to become misaligned and results in chronic irrational behaviour.

This would be problematic enough, within an institutional framework, but when the person in question is the President of the United States, and whose sycophants have removed all the checks and balances, and you have a truly dangerous and maladaptive future.

There are few options, but the following synthesize the best options.

First, ask yourself if it is worth it? Evaluate the relationship. In Canada’s case, while time is of the essence, the economic dislocation caused by having ‘trusted’ someone incapable of trust, means there are significant costs.

Close all opportunities for reengagement. Canada will not return to trade or maintain a ‘relationship’ with Trump, just as you would no longer do so in your personal life. Being stabbed in the back ‘requires’ removal from Trump’s ‘sphere of influence’.

Determine how you came to your present dilemma and develop mechanisms to ensure it does not reoccur in the future.

When dealing with Trump, use the ‘Seventy Two Hour Rule’. Don’t overreact. Take no action immediately that may make the situation worse. Once you are focuses on a logical response, then act.

Psychologists recommend using the ‘eight step pause’.

Physical Awareness – be aware of your own physical sensations.

Emotional Awareness – attach emotions to each physical response.

Impulse Awareness – Verbalized how the person’s action makes you feel.

Consequences Awareness – Remind yourself of the consequences of following your impulse.

Insight Awareness – Understand what it is that makes you take ‘this’ confrontation personally.

Solution Awareness – Find a better solution, than acting on your impulse.

Benefit Awareness – Remind yourself of the various benefits of your new chosen solution.

Let’s Go – Commit to the action.

This strategy may not work with Trump, as it requires Trump to actually reflect on his actions, which it would seem, he never does. Whether retributive, angry, illogical, irrational or vindictive, there is no way to ‘reengage’ with crazy.

Therefore Canada’s only choice is complete disengagement, as quickly as possible.

America is led by a sociopath.

Attempting to resolve a situation that you had nothing to do with instigating, is also irrational.

It’s time to move on.

The relationship with America, is over.

You win America. You’re on your own.