Re: brainwashing and morons

Hi, You can't get into trouble (legally) for defying your parents but your parents can of course dish out what they see as suitable consequences if they don't like your behavior. You may not be able to see it but they are likely trying to do their best for you. "Brainwashing" is all relative to your point of view. For example, Christian parents might educate their children in the ways of Christianity. Some people might call this "brainwashing". But because this is "normal" and accepted by mainstream society it is not regarded as brainwashing. Your shrink doesn't believe that the kind of relationship you had can be a positive experience for you so she believes you have been brainwashed. If the shrink isn't helping you, no one can force you to talk to her. Maybe you could ask for a different shrink on the basis she isn't listening to you or suggest to her that she needs to go away and do some more reading on the subject. There are studies (see http://newgon.com) of man-boy relationships where the majority of boys have reported positive/neutral feelings about such relationships and if she were aware of these, maybe she could change her thinking (rather than trying to make you change yours)! It has been a while since I have been at school but a wise friend once told me, "people have short memories" and she was right. The other kids at school will soon find someone else to pick on. I have not had many true friends in life and often it is only in a crisis that you are able to work out who really is your friend. All the best very best, Ben.