Why is it that when some people find out that something upsets, annoys, or maybe even triggers us, their immediate reaction is one of these:

1. To do it right away. "My name is Ted. I wish people wouldn't call me Teddy." -- "OK, Teddy."

2. To exaggerate it. "Hi, Teddy. What's up, Teddy? How's it going, Teddy? Isn't it lovely weather today, Teddy? You look pissed, Teddy. What's the matter, Teddy?"

3. To do something so closely related, it might as well be the same thing, and then claim it's totally different. "OK, Teddy Bear."

4. To do something even worse. "OK, Ugly."

Then, of course, they laugh at Ted's frustration and annoyance. If Ted complains about it in any way, he is told he is being controlling and has no sense of humor. In the case of #3 and #4, which are *obviously* different things altogether, he just can't be satisfied and is looking for something to complain about.

I'm told it's just human nature, because people don't like being told what to do. If I say something annoys me, and the other person stops doing it, then they have given up power to me. In order to take power back for themselves, they have to do the opposite of what I asked. When I was young and still had contact with my family, a lot of them would do this kind of thing on purpose, to show me that I don't control them.

And yes, they do claim it's "just a joke."

Is it harmless human nature? Joking? Or a form of abuse?