oppath Posted September 21, 2007 Posted September 21, 2007 I'm not sure if people here are familiar with Landmark education or the Landmark forum. I really don't want to get into a debate about it. Some people think it is a way to transform your life; other people think it is a cult. Basically you take a class or "forum," and you learn how to think differently, but in order to "get it," you have to recruit others into the program. Otherwise, you won't get it. I think if it makes you happy, good for you, but I know it is not for me. I have a couple friends who have participated, and they both loved it. Both have recruited me; I researched it. I concluded "no." One of them has left me alone. The other keeps pressuring me. I keep saying "no." She'll reply "we'll talk about it later." She just called me saying she wants to talk to me about some important things, asking if I was busy. It's not a good time, I am at work. I know what she wants to discuss. The answer is still NO. I've told her NO a half dozen times and I've compassionately explained why. It is beginning to feel like our friendship is contingent on my participating in the program. I don't want to. I've made it clear I am not interested at this point in my life, and I doubt I will EVER. But it is always ... "well, we're having a meeting at my apartment in a couple weeks, I really want you to come. It would mean a lot to me if you would just come check it out." I'm beginning to think I should go and just BE A DICK. Because if our friendship is going to go down in flames, I might as well have some fun with it. Has anyone had any similar experiences dealing with Landmark, or more appropriately, dealing with people who won't take no for an answer. Our friendship feels contingent on me doing this now, and that is inappropriate, selfish, and unfair. I am not going to do it! I'm sure there are LS users who have done it and benefited. Good for you. But it is NOT FOR ME!
underpants Posted September 21, 2007 Posted September 21, 2007 So this is like Amway? I had someone that I befriended and he is very into Bahai. It is a beautiful faith and I think that is very good if that it his thing. I don't hang out much with him anymore and he is very busy with his faith and projects. I don't disparage his practice. I did attend one or two meetings and I liked everyone there. Personally, I don't want to practice it and am not too interested in learning much more about it. To have chosen to hang out with him more would have meant more Bahai talk and he has trouble seperating his faith from the rest of his life and well, we are good acquaintaces now. I guess some people just want to sell you on what works for them. The intention can be good. However, if it seems pushy they should back off. Have you told her to just back off?
whichwayisup Posted September 21, 2007 Posted September 21, 2007 I had a friend who got involved with a guy who was a Jehovah's Witness. He neglected to tell her about this until they got very serious. Long story short, she started going to those JW meetings, and got involved more and more, changing her whole belief system, started excluding friends, some of her family too, all because (myself included) didn't believe in it. It almost ended our friendship! This woman who I knew for many years and was a close friend of mine was changing drastically before my eyes! Anyway, she got out of the relationship, something happened to 'wake her up' and realize that she was being brainwashed. I am happy that she is still my life and I didn't have to say goodbye to her. I suggest you talk to your friend, be completely honest. Respectful, yet firm about how you feel about this and if your friend can't stop putting her views on you, and talk about other things, then definately back off. Let her know that one day you two CAN be friends again, but right now it's not possible.
Storyrider Posted September 21, 2007 Posted September 21, 2007 I did the Landmark Forum years ago. I never recruited anyone because I didn't swallow that aspect of it, and I'm not a "selling" type of person, so that is where it ended for me. However, I did learn some concepts that are useful to me today. As I said, I just couldn't swallow it whole. Just tell her no means no, and that she is being disrespectful by pressuring you. In fact, to use their lingo, tell her you are, "taking a stand" and that you're not going to let her "make you wrong."
Author oppath Posted September 21, 2007 Author Posted September 21, 2007 I'm not saying it isn't beneficial to some people. I've just made a decision that it is not for me. Thanks, I will use that lingo with her . I know she thinks it will be good for me, but I've made up my mind. It is rather frustrating for her to keep pressuring me. I think I need to make it clear: I won't be your friend if you keep pressuring me.
Aintayankee Posted September 22, 2007 Posted September 22, 2007 Sounds like a yankee forum. I'll look into it, see if I can get hit and run tactics on em or something to harass them......lol.
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