They don't like other [[Protectors]], [[Parts]], or people telling them that they should change or relax. Because they often read that as telling them that they shouldn't have a role, and because their role is often so tied to their identity, they take it to mean that they shouldn't exist. Often if a protector won't relax and let you connect with the [[Exiles]] it's protecting or protecting from, it's because they think you're trying to get rid of their role and them. Reassuring them that this isn't your intention will calm them down so long as it's coming from [[Self]]. But often other parts do have an agenda around wanting a protector to change and give up their role that may be seen as harmful in some ways. Maybe it is ([[Protector roles that were in some way adaptive in the past may be maladaptive now]]), but [[Protectors have positive intent]] and [[Protectors have good reasons for their roles and beliefs, even when they're extreme, irrational, and wrong]]. Protectors will be willing to let go of their maladaptive roles once they see that the exiles they're protecting or protecting you from are okay now. See: [[The IFS process]].