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It’s been a long time since I completed my college psychology requirement, but I remember a little bit and I’m pretty sure that I am currently the target of some “projection.”
According to this Wikipedia definition, psychological projection is a defense mechanism where a person’s personal attributes, unacceptable or unwanted thoughts, and/or emotions are ascribed onto another person or people.
Another definition says that projection is one of the defense mechanisms identified by Freud and still acknowledged today. According to Freud, projection is when someone is threatened by or afraid of their own impulses so they attribute these impulses to someone else.
Probably just about everyone has done this at some time or another. For example, I often accuse my husband of never being able to admit when he’s wrong when it comes to our arguments. Hmmm. I’m thinking someone else involved in our marital spats possesses a similar character defect?
Likewise, we’ve all had friends or acquaintances who complain about certain flaws in others, and as we listen to their complaints, we’re struck by the fact that the person complaining is guilty of the exact same behavior. I think projection is probably a fairly common – even normal — human defense mechanism.
Still, it feels odd to experience a textbook case of it, expecially when you’re the target of said projection. Do you ignore it or kindly, but firmly, call a spade a spade? I’m not sure what my approach is going to be just yet.
