1. A hidden mental program that is designed to hide, deny, obfuscate, trick, distract, avoid, and bury something that usually contains pain or a threat to the individual’s survival or something they hold precious. Used to defend against perceived threats to their vision of themselves or their image in the eyes of others. 2. An unwritten, often unspoken rule not to report on a friend or colleague’s errors, misconducts, or crimes, including illegal or immoral actions, brutality, violence, or theft. 3. A relationship’s unspoken agreement to keep abuse, immoral or socially unacceptable behavior secret and to avoid exposure or discovery. 4. A person’s unspoken agreement to protect their partner from the negative consequences of their actions and to protect themselves.
