Do you know that the struggles of many who are perpetually trapped in difficult situations—despite appearing to be within reach of help—are often prolonged by false benevolence and deceptive assistance?
Sometimes, the very person who claims to be a lifeline is, in truth, the anchor holding them down. It is a cruel game, where the supposed rescuer subtly orchestrates setbacks, ensuring that no matter how hard the struggling person fights, they never quite regain their footing.
There is something deeply unsettling about betrayal disguised as kindness. Imagine someone struggling to climb back to the top after a devastating fall, reaching for an outstretched hand that promises support. The grip feels firm—reassuring even. Yet, unknown to them, the same hand that pulls them up is also ensuring they never quite make it. A slight shift in weight, a strategic release at the wrong moment, a subtle resistance disguised as misfortune—each act is carefully designed to frustrate their efforts while maintaining the illusion of goodwill.
This is the essence of false benevolence—where help is an illusion and support is merely a performance. The one who presents themselves as a saviour is, in reality, the force keeping them trapped. It is a calculated act, where the so-called rescuer deliberately manufactures obstacles, ensuring that no matter how hard the struggling person fights, they never fully regain their footing.
Such deception thrives in many spaces—workplaces, where a mentor subtly sabotages a rising protégé; relationships, where a partner claims to uplift yet constantly erodes confidence; or even systems, which promise empowerment while reinforcing dependency. The victim, unaware of the sinister hand at play, may begin to doubt themselves, questioning why, despite their best efforts, they remain stuck.
The tragedy lies not just in the fall, but in the false hope that keeps the fallen bound to their oppressor. A true adversary is easier to confront than a friend who operates as an enemy in disguise. The greatest cruelty is not pushing someone down—it is pretending to lift them up while ensuring they never rise.
Recognising this deception is the first step to breaking free. It requires a discerning eye, an awareness of patterns, and the courage to let go of the hand that holds you back.
Because sometimes, the only way to truly rise is to climb on your own.
Desmond Utomwen
#FreshBoss
#highlights
@highlight @everyone
