Navigating Relationships: Establishing Your Social Credit Score
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding the Social Credit Concept
The concept of a social credit score can be quite enlightening.
How to Guard Yourself Against Exploitation
Many individuals grapple with the anxiety or reality of being exploited. Exploitation can manifest in various forms, but here, we will zero in on one specific aspect: the emotional toll on the giver.
This situation arises when you are consistently available for others, yet they seem to vanish when you need their support. This dynamic can be incredibly painful and can deteriorate relationships more swiftly than one might think.
Fortunately, there is a straightforward remedy—adopting a personal social credit score (not to be confused with the one implemented in China!).
Imagine each relationship as a bank account, with you acting as the bank manager. When someone requests help, they withdraw credit from this account; conversely, when they contribute positively to your life, they deposit credit.
It’s your responsibility to ensure that no one’s account slips into the negative. If it does, they should be encouraged to repay their debt with interest.
This doesn’t imply that you should charge your friends for assistance, but there should be some form of reciprocity. If it’s not financial, it could be time spent in friendship or favors exchanged.
When I notice an imbalance in this “account,” I respond by either saying “no” more often or requesting small favors to gauge the situation. I can now identify which friends are dependable and which ones might be draining my social credit. This awareness doesn’t lead me to cut ties; rather, it helps me set limits on lending money or getting involved in their dramas.
The outcome of this practice is quite positive. I now have friends for whom I would gladly go to great lengths without expecting anything in return. Conversely, there are family members for whom I would charge €100 just to crash on the couch.
Most importantly, I no longer worry about being exploited.
If you’re interested in further exploration, check out these articles on establishing boundaries.
A detailed examination of China's social credit system, exploring its implications and the public's response.
10 Ways To Set Your Boundaries As An Empath
Establishing boundaries is crucial for self-respect and personal well-being.
5 Strategies to Overcome the Fear of Rejection
Understanding that the fear of rejection is often a misconception can empower your interactions.
Chapter 2: Insights from Real-Life Experiences
A personal account of living in a social credit system, highlighting the day-to-day realities and challenges faced.