Hungarian endocrinologist Hans Selye in the 1930s often referred to as the "Father of Stress Research" proposed the GAS model. It is a theoretical framework that describes the body's response to stress. Selye developed the GAS model to explain the physiological responses to stress. I thought it would be fun to explore it with my normal satirical sense of humor.
Lets examine how the GAS model can shape our communication styles within a marriage.
1. The Alarm Phase: When an issue arises, let the stress response take over and kick-start the alarm phase. React instinctively by channeling your inner drama queen (or king) and blowing things out of proportion. After all, why calmly address a problem when you can raise it to a catastrophic level?
2. The Resistance Phase: Embrace the spirit of stubbornness and dig your heels in during arguments. This phase is all about resisting compromise and holding steadfast to your position, regardless of its rationality. Remember, winning the argument is far more important than finding a solution!
3. The Exhaustion Phase: Let the stress and emotional turmoil drain your energy. Give up on meaningful communication and resort to passive-aggressive tactics, sighs of exasperation, and eye rolls. Who needs effective dialogue when you can communicate through subtle gestures and weary sighs?
Problem-Solving Strategies Gone Wrong In this section, we'll delve into some humorous approaches to problem-solving influenced by the GAS model.
1. The Overwhelm Overdrive: Amp up the stress levels by bombarding your partner with a laundry list of unresolved issues. Ensure they feel the weight of every unresolved problem simultaneously. Remember, quantity over quality is the name of the game!
2. The Exhaustion Escapade: When faced with a problem, succumb to the exhaustion phase and give up on finding a resolution. Embrace the "ignorance is bliss" philosophy and sweep the issue under the rug, hoping it magically disappears.
3. The Adaptation Asylum: As you adapt to recurring problems, let them become your new normal. Don't bother seeking growth or change. After all, who needs personal development when you can comfortably settle into the same old dysfunctional routine?
Emotional Maneuvers and Guilt Trips, lets explore emotional manipulation tactics intertwined with the GAS model.
1. The Stress-Sourced Guilt Trip: Expertly tap into your partner's emotions by highlighting the stressors in your life and subtly implying that they are to blame. Make them feel responsible for your stress-induced ailments, even if the connection is dubious at best. Guilt is the spice that seasons any argument!
2. The Emotional Exhaustion Extravaganza: Amplify the emotional toll of every disagreement by pouring all your frustrations into a single explosive outburst. Let the stress build up until it bursts forth like a volcano, leaving your partner astounded and emotionally drained.
3. The Adaptation Abandonment: Forget personal growth and development. Instead, adapt to your partner's shortcomings by surrendering your own needs and desires. After all, why bother striving for mutual growth when you can just go with the flow and compromise your happiness?
So, next time you find yourself caught in the whirlwind of stress within your relationship, remember to pause, take a deep breath, and perhaps choose a different path than the comical missteps outlined in this blog.
If you liked this post you should check out this one. https://www.breathingforher.com/2023/05/beyond-fate-beauty-of-choosing-our-path.html