[tomwed]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

Eric Berne's book Games PEople play talks about paradigm for analyzing conversation using a very simple method: determine whether the voice of the speaker is parent, adult, or child, each of which presents with healthy and unhealthy manifestations.
Assume the monitors are healthy parents, it is their rightful duty to set rules and referee.

Healthy child talk is delightfully unexpected harmless expressions of humor, wonder, good-natured ribbing, playful zzest for life.

Unhealthy child often uses name-calling and has a rebellious tone, and tries to make strong statements of opinion without facts by throwing pebbles and whimpering about hurt feelings. Some use humor as a cloak for childish bedevilment.

Healthy parent, (Gracie) is often a mediator for peace, keeeping the tone light and friendly while still invting persons to higher social grace (except when she loses it and makes ///.)

Unhealthy parent is my least favorite, where persons peremptorily demand "what is wrong with you people?" To be seen as the Knowitall poobah. Angry, very forceful how-dare-you think and write what you did! Stop!

My freshman year my favorite book was "I'm OK, Your OK". It ruined many a good date.