Verbal Attack Pattern 1
"If you really (X),
you would(n't) (Y)."

Presuppositions:

  • "You don't really (X)."
  • (Y) is only bait.
Rules:
  • Ignore (Y) and address (X) in a neutral fashion.
  • NEVER reply to Blamer Mode with another Blamer Mode utterance.
Example:
"If you really loved me, you wouldn't go bowling."
Presuppositions:
"You don't really love me." (Blamer Mode)
Possible Response:
"You know, it's interesting that so many (wo)men have this feeling that their spouses don't love them." (Computer Mode)
This response will probably surprise and confuse the attacker, who may then try to change subject. If not, continue responding in Computer Mode until they give up.
Another Example:
"If you really wanted me to do well in math, you would buy me a calculator."
Presuppositions:
"You don't really love me." (Blamer Mode)
Possible Response:
"When did you start to feel that I didn't care about your grades?" (Computer Mode)
"I was just saying that I need a calculator." (Computer Mode)
"Why?" (Computer Mode)
"Well, I have trouble doing the problems." (Leveler Mode)
"Then let's try tutoring first. You need to know the basics before you can understand the more advance stuff." (Computer Mode)

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