Her Most Faithful Servant

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I've learned something that extends way beyond the usefulness of our personal training. I've learned a life skill. Ponies will try to manipulate you. It doesn't matter whether it's subconsciously or on purpose, or whether it's something small like 'not going to bed yet' or for something bigger like monetary gain or making someone do something illegal. It’s not -always- bad, but many do use their manipulative powers for evil. Those are the ones to watch out for.

I learned that I have the tools to avoid that manipulation. It's really simple, when you think about it. When someone is trying to lead you in a direction that's very noticeable or can only end one or two ways, then the red flag should go up. There's more than one way to get yourself out of these situations, but today I used a method that just seemed to resonate with me. Throwing their attempt back into their court, with just a tinge of guilt, is the best feeling I’ve had in a long time. I felt so strong.

Now then, -how- did I use this? It’s simple. Today we didn’t have a lesson, since you had to go to another city for a public appearance. So, I decided to take the day to go to Ponyville and pack some more clothes for the rest of my stay. When I got there, it was only a matter of time before Rarity came knocking on my door. I audibly groaned, and immediately realized that I was beginning to show subconscious signs of my submission. It was then I realized I could put some of our lessons to use. I took a deep breath and shifted into topspace.

I answered the door and Rarity acted as if she had stopped by for some sort of pleasant visit. She asked questions about my time in Canterlot, but her attention wasn’t focused on me or what I was saying. She was deep in thought. I could tell.

Then at one point, she sighed heavily. And I knew what that meant. It was one of those sighs that showed that something is clearly wrong, but the ‘sigher’ didn’t want to say anything directly. She was baiting me. Every red flag went up in my head. So I just smiled and acted like nothing happened. She stared at me curiously, then sighed again, but I wasn’t going to take it. I was going to be kind to this mare because she was my friend, but I wasn’t going to cave to her. Finally, she threw her cards on the table, and asked if I would go to Manehattan with her in the next few days to help her with a fashion show.

I’ve never felt so happy to say ‘No’ before.

She tried to guilt me into going, saying she didn’t want to be alone in the big city, or that it would be more fun with a friend going as well. Of course, I wasn’t going to have it. I just replied: ‘Sorry! Maybe you should ask Spike?’ She was shocked. She was sure I would agree to go with her. It was one of the biggest rushes of power I’ve had in a long time.

I can still see a lot of benefit in letting yourself get manipulated on your terms and while you realize what they are attempting to do. But at the very least, now I have the tools to dispatch with anything that I know I don't want. Preventing myself from being manipulated is just one more little step at closing off my mind to external control. I'm beginning to feel... free. Like I can independently rule myself.

Now that I can control myself... maybe it's time for me to take the next logical step.

Your Faithful Student,
Anon