When the same value is violated across 3+ independent…

When This Fires

• After accumulating multiple resentment records (Four-step resentment protocol) and looking for patterns
• During values clarification when distinguishing permanent values from temporary frustrations
• When deciding whether a values conflict requires changing the situation or changing yourself
• Complements Extract values from recurring conditions across 5+ peak… (peak experience extraction) with the resentment-based confirmation

Common Failure Mode

Treating situational frustrations as core values: "I was annoyed at work three times this week about the messy kitchen — cleanliness must be a core value!" Three occurrences in the same context doesn't count — the contexts must be independent. Resentment about kitchen cleanliness at work, at home, and at a friend's house → potentially core. Resentment about the same kitchen → situational.

The Protocol

(1) Review accumulated resentment records (Four-step resentment protocol). Group by violated value. (2) For each value that appears multiple times, check: are the contexts independent? Different relationships, different environments, different situations? (3) If the same value appears in 3+ independent contexts → classify as core value. This value is part of your identity and needs protection across all environments. (4) If a value appears multiple times but only in one context → classify as situational. Address within that specific relationship or environment. (5) Core values become inputs to life design decisions: career selection, relationship maintenance, boundary setting, environment optimization. They're non-negotiable constraints, not preferences to trade.