When we’re having a bad day it’s easy to take it out on those closest to us. And others are also likely to do the same to us. While it’s often easier to overlook our hotheaded moments, we must learn to shake off these moments from others as well.
Of course, it’s not a pleasant experience to be on the receiving end of someone’s hot temper. And our natural response is to go blood for blood. If they cut us we will not be the only ones bleeding!
And this is not even because we want to cause harm per se. We go on the attack more to protect ourselves from any more pain.
But our actions tend to only escalate matters and we continue the cycle of hurting people, hurting people.
On the other hand, we become true peacemakers when we learn to shake it off, especially when it’s clear the other is just having a bad day.
This is not to excuse their actions. Nor is it pretending their words and actions don’t still hurt. If you cut us we will bleed, regardless of whether or not the cut was intentional or malicious.
All the same, we offer our strength in these moments by staying grounded and not adding to the emotional whirlwind ignited by the other.
When they attack, it’s good to remember their hurt and pain is likely speaking louder than their true selves. The princess and the dragon are often one and the same.
And, as such, we try not to take their attacks personally. We must listen deeper to the true needs of their heart even as they’re pushing all of our buttons.
To be sure, this is not easy. But it does allow us to respond in love rather than feeling the need to defend our wounded pride.
In the end, learn to shake it off when others take out their bad day on you. Your grounded strength helps to dissipate the emotional storm and restore the peace.
Photo by behrouz sasani on Unsplash
