Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Needing to be needed


Often I see, read, or hear something which makes me think of a flower remedy, and this cartoon was a recent example.  If you haven’t guessed which flower it could be, here are a couple of clues:

“They desire that those for whom they care should be near them.” Dr Bach. 

Or “… gives the impression of doing everything possible for the happiness of others, while in reality they do so in a manner that brings neither peace nor rest to the recipient.”  Philip Chancellor.

Dogs are loving and devoted to us, as are the people who – at times – need this particular remedy.  They love to show their affection but so often it becomes possessive and self-serving.  Just like the dog in the cartoon, those who need a certain essence impose their wants and needs on those around them.  These people have a lot of love to give and want to show it but when they are in a negative state their love becomes clingy and demanding, rather than unconditional. Then they need – yes, Chicory.

They become like a mother hen who wants all her chicks safely under her wing.  This leads to controlling tendencies, usually in martyrish, manipulative ways. ‘If you loved me, you’d ring me more often.’ ‘You can’t be a priest; not after all I’ve done to get you elected as an Member of Parliament!’  

And as Dr Bach pointed out, part of their selfish love (which Chicory would help to ameliorate) is “…continually correcting what they consider wrong, and enjoy doing so.”  For example, ‘Darling, that shirt doesn’t suit you, I’ve put out the blue one for you to wear.’ Loving and caring but in a ‘You can’t manage without me’, manner.  Chicory types so badly need to be needed.  Just like the dog, they show affection but in reality are expressing, ‘I feel neglected and need you to show that you love me.’


“The sun never says to the earth, 'You owe me.' 
Look what happens with a love like that. 
It lights up the whole sky.” ~ Hafiz


Burnout and what to do next

Lexicographer Susie Dent tweeted the word ‘dumfungled’. From the 19 th Century it means, she wrote, ‘used up, worn out, and entirely spent....