Let's stop minimising phrases that encourage power play, manipulation and gaslighting. Attempting to engage with someone by creating a dysregulation and instability, ultimately chipping away at self-esteem is not only harmful and toxic but abusive.
"Treat them mean, keep them keen" is a long standing phrase that is riddled with emotional abuse, and can be incredibly damaging for the person on the receiving end. We need to challenge and dismantle this narrative and encourage open, honest dialogue built on fundamental, mutual respect.