In this thought-provoking episode, Chris Abraham explores projection — the tendency to assign one’s own issues onto others — and offers insight into protecting yourself from it.We cover the psychology behind emotional overreactions, the desire for narrative-driven memory, and how boundaries, de-escalation, and self-awareness can serve as armor.“If you notice someone else’s cringe… ask what part of yourself you’re still hiding.”A subconscious defense mechanism where people externalize their own feelings or flaws.Often disguised as critique or overreaction — but really about the speaker.Can be manipulative if not recognized early.Ask: “Is this really about me?”Separate feedback from projection.Don’t internalize criticism from people with no leverage over your life.Chris shares life-changing lessons from his ex-girlfriend in recovery:❌ Don’t give advice unless asked.👉 Three fingers point back when you point at others.🙏 The Serenity Prayer: Accept. Change. Let go.🛑 Not everyone in “healing spaces” is safe — some are predatory.The Blanket Battle: Chris chooses de-escalation over performative masculinity when his girlfriend demands he “defend their blanket” during an outdoor movie.Cultural Misreads: Irish flirting and British banter are misinterpreted as aggression.Memory as Motivation: Chris theorizes people create or escalate conflict to generate exciting, memorable life stories — especially those with hyperfantasia.“People aren’t always flirting — sometimes they’re testing you.”“Projection is how people tell on themselves.”“You don’t owe anyone a reaction if they can’t affect your rent or peace of mind.”“Action heroes? They’re just theater kids who leaned into the cringe.”Q: How can I spot projection?A: If a reaction feels disproportionate or weirdly personal, ask: “Is this about me — or them?”Q: What should I do if someone’s projecting onto me?A: Stay calm. You can say, “That sounds like more about you than me.” Or disengage entirely.Q: Is projection always bad?A: No — it’s often subconscious. But it can still be harmful if unchecked.Q: What does memory have to do with projection?A: Chris believes many seek noble or dramatic experiences not to do good, but to remember something good. Drama becomes “mental clickbait.”Projection: Attributing your own issues to someone else.Projection Protection: Recognizing and resisting manipulation or emotional hijacking.Aphantasia: Inability to visualize images mentally.SDAM: Difficulty recalling personal experiences.Hyperfantasia: Vivid, intense mental imagery.Mental Clickbait: Drama pursued for memorable “content.”Durability Test: A healthier reframing of “shit tests” — testing someone’s response to pressure.Mensch: Yiddish for a person of character and integrity.De-escalation: Managing conflict calmly before it erupts.Chris closes the episode reflecting on the therapeutic power of conversation, reminding listeners to:🔍 Stay self-aware🧠 Filter projection from truth💬 Ask direct, curious questions🎧 And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and shareSee you in Episode 4!🔍 What is Projection?🧠 Projection Protection 101🙏 Wisdom from NA/AA (via Michelle Nolan)🧩 Stories, Memory & Identity💬 Favorite Quotes❓ FAQ📘 Glossary (Shortened)🔔 Outro