2007-10-30 09:36:51 · 12 answers · asked by Aquamarine 5 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Walk away.
Literally.
Excuse yourself to the restroom or another room. Removing yourself from the situation (even temporarily) can give you a chance to clear your mind and carefully consider how (and IF) you want to respond at all. Only after you have regained your composure and made a response decision should you physically re-enter the situation.
Oftentimes, the best response is to choose not to respond at all.
Best of luck,
~M~
2007-10-30 09:40:47 · answer #1 · answered by michele 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I read a great story not too long ago. A passenger in an airport was verbally abusing a clerk. The ruder and more abusive the passenger got, the calmer the clerk seemed to be. By the time the passenger finished his tirade and walked away, the clerk was even smiling!
Another passenger who had witnessed the whole scene approached the clerk and asked him how he could remain so calm and serene in the face of such abuse.
The clerk smiled even wider and replied,"That gentlemen is going to the Bahamas, but his luggage is all going to Iceland."
Take a lesson from the airline clerk. Just stand (or sit, or whatever) there and listen patiently - all the while, thinking about what you would like to do to them (but unlike the clerk in the story, you won't REALLY do it, of course). Quietly and peacefully picture them suffering all the ill effects of your imaginary plots against them. It might even bring a smile to your face - and that will REALLY steam them or get them wondering!
2007-10-30 17:46:08 · answer #2 · answered by monarch butterfly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you want to shut up?
You can shut them up by pointing out the truth ... like 'why are you trying to provoke me, why do you want me angry?' Whatever it is they are "actually" trying to do, not just what they are saying.
Expose their game. In my experience, they either shut up, or continue with the same old record. Then you can walk away and they know you cannot be trapped because you see their game.
2007-10-30 16:50:27 · answer #3 · answered by Heart Warrior 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look at them and think slowly about what they've said, maybe repeating it back to them in a slightly mocking tone.
That's a good way to get over the immediate reaction phase where it's easy to lose your temper. After that you'll have cooled off a little and can choose to either ignore it or respond. if you do respond though, you'll be calmer so less likely to act impulsively.
2007-10-30 17:14:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be smart instead of emotional. It may burn you up inside a little at first, but just keep reminding yourself that there are more important things in life. I may want to watch football and my friend wants to watch something else, but I let them watch what they want -- to avoid the argument. It burns me up a little at first, but it's much better than arguing about little stuff all the time. I try to live by that rule and keep my life happier. People have outburst when they are 1) young or 2) drunk. Just try to act like an older responsible person.
2007-10-30 16:52:54 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ignore them if possible. The best way to deal with threats is to take them head on so challenge them about their provoking comments in everyway possible until they give up.
2007-10-30 16:41:30 · answer #6 · answered by adm_twister_jcom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I find that you have to just walk away, or do something like close your eyes, count to ten, and take deep breath. I fyou have to talk, try to be calm, or just leave. NEVER try to have the last word, because it will make things worse. Ok, maybe sometimes.
2007-10-30 16:44:19 · answer #7 · answered by rachflam 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
count to 10 first
2007-10-30 16:40:21 · answer #8 · answered by just in case 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pretend they're not there. Give them the silent treatment.
2007-10-31 05:34:40 · answer #9 · answered by †100% Angel† 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
duct tape, counting in ur head, or hurting them
2007-10-30 16:44:26 · answer #10 · answered by sparkville13 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋