Abstract
Player 1, initiating a transactional game, proposes a double-bind, to Player 2 by saying, “If you really love me, you will ignore this major problem (in my behavior) that is capable of destroying our relationship.” Player 2 fails to recognize the linguistic linkage, and continually attempts, by overlooking the pathology, to prove to Player 1 that the love is real. Player 1 does not change, Player 2 discounts his/her own feelings, and stalemate occurs.