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Choose Your Response

When was the last time that someone said something to you that triggered a strong emotion?

Was that their intention?

Sometimes people push our buttons - they find our little insecurities or idiosyncrasies or pain points and push them until we feel an emotional response. That's an opportunity, but it sure doesn't feel like one at the time.

Long ago, I would react to those moments with an emotion-triggering response of my own. That'll show 'em. Take that. What do you think of that?

The trouble was, that's just trouble. I've never fixed an unhealthy situation with an unhealthy behavior. What I've learned is, to breathe. Take a big breath. Give my response about five seconds before letting it come out. By doing that, I create a much better response.

We don't choose how people communicate with us - but we do choose how to respond.

I'm working at responding positively every time. How about you?

-- Doug Smith


key words:

Comments

  1. David SpiegelFebruary 1, 2016 at 7:59 AM

    Thank goodness for communicating via email.....and most importantly,the delete button!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Doug SmithFebruary 1, 2016 at 9:44 AM

    Yes, that delete button comes in mighty handy sometimes. Also useful is pausing a few seconds before verbally responding. Any awkward silence will be well worth the trouble it saves by swallowing any mean thoughts we're having and choosing to respond as positively as possible.

    ReplyDelete

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