Where respect is confused with silence—and love is earned through compliance
Were you ever punished for being honest—then told it was about respect?
The Obedience Model shows us why
It teaches that being “good” means doing what you’re told. It equates respect with silence, and disagreement with defiance. And it trains us to shrink our voice until guilt replaces truth.
4.2.0 – Introduction — The Obedience Model
- Respect mistaken for silence and compliance.
- “Goodness” defined as doing what you’re told.
- Obedience becomes identity: the quiet one, the loyal one.
Explore here:
4.2.0 – The Obedience Model4.2.1 – Respect Disguised as Fear
- Obedience framed as respect, but rooted in fear.
- Boundaries and disagreement misread as disrespect.
- Silence rewarded as virtue.
Explore here:
4.2.1 – Respect Disguised as Fear4.2.2 – The Good Child Survival Pattern
- “Good” = easy to handle, agreeable, self-erased.
- Love tied to being pleasing, polite, and quiet.
- Real needs buried beneath helpfulness and perfection.
Explore here:
4.2.2 – The Good Child Survival Pattern4.2.3 – Obedience as Emotional Safety
- Agreement mistaken for safety.
- Fear of disconnection makes silence feel like love.
- Peace confused with submission.
Explore here:
4.2.3 – Obedience as Emotional Safety4.2.4 – How This Model Creates Control
- What began as survival becomes control over others.
- Expecting obedience as proof of loyalty.
- Punishing dissent with silence, guilt, or withdrawal.
Explore here:
4.2.4 – How This Model Creates Control← Back ┃ Main Page The Obedience Model ┃ Next →