Consequences or ITTT (if this, then that) usually follow logic, rhyme, reason, cause and effect, and are generally related to some normal reaction or consequence to a decision. You know what you’re getting into because the logic flows and is pretty clear. And it’s usually your own fault.
You speed, you get a speeding ticket. You eat too much, you get fat. Your kid doesn’t clean his room, kid doesn’t go play outside. Etc.
A threat is generally a promise to react harshly if your decision doesn’t align with someone or a promise to “hold off” from that reaction if your decision does.
“You don’t want to mess with me or I’ll make you pay for it.” Or simply put: dirty politics.
That’s how do you tell the difference. A threat feels gross. It feels manipulative. It feels unfair and unjustified. It feels trappy and cagey. The action and the reaction are generally unrelated.
I’ve got no real good words on how to deal with threats, but I’ve found knowing the difference helps in deciding who I want around me or who I want to get tangled up in business with.
Deeper Than a Puddle 