We all know
the importance of choosing words wisely when we speak with children, yet
sometimes when speaking with our peers, family and friends, we get rather loose
with our tongues and snipe angrily. All
too often, we feel guilty after the fact, but we can never take back our words.
A well-placed apology helps remedy the situation, and sometimes those around us
will be understanding, especially if they know we have been under a great deal
of stress, but avoiding bitter words in the first place is the best route.
How do we
contain or restrain ourselves, especially when we feel we are the injured
party? The first thing is not to go
there in the first place. If you are
feeling hurt by someone else’s words, if you are inclined to be angry, back
away. Take a walk or go to a quiet place
where you can reflect and think about what has been said. Perhaps you need to do a reality check, in
case you are misinterpreting what you heard from another. It won’t do you or the other person any good
to trade insults, and those words can’t be taken back. Spending a moment trying to clarify your
emotions and deciding the best way to respond without causing more confusion
and hurt feelings will help to resolve conflict and ease the way back into each
other’s good graces.
Once you
have established how you feel about an interaction, resolve to confront the
situation calmly. Face the person and
explain what your feelings are and why you are upset. This will earn you more respect in the long
run, but you will have the benefit of having sorted things out and planned a
response ahead of time. Hopefully, the
other person will have thought things through, as well, and will negotiate a
resolution that heals the relationship rather than adding more strain.
May you be
richly blessed!
No comments:
Post a Comment