Coping with Annoyance

College like the rest of your life, will introduce a special person who you just won't like. A professor, boss, in-law or a coworker can fit this category perfectly.

I call these people "special" because they are the ones who will drive you insane.

It takes time, but you CAN deal with these people.  Dealing with difficult people takes patience and maturity and believe me, biting your tongue isn't the easiest thing to do but it can be the smartest thing in the long run.

When placed in a situation where you feel yourself slipping away, keep a few things in mind.

1. Empathy: Put yourself in their shoes.  This does not mean feeling bad for the person, just try and see this disagreement from their point of view.  Sometimes it's easier to point the finger than to look in the mirror and realize that you might be the one who is wrong.  It helps to stand back and truly focus on the situation.  Right before an argument is about to start, focus on what the other person is saying, it might help resolve the issue before it escalates.

2.Take a breath: Some people are hot heads and can easily flip out.  If you can calm yourself down, you can possibly avoid a negative situation.  No one knows you better than you.  If you reach a point where one smart remark can throw you over the edge, it is time to inhale, and exhale. Count from one to ten, roll your shoulders back a few times, pray to your "ALL MIGHTY" or just grab your ears and "Woosah, Woooooooosahhh"

3.Just be quiet: I am for speaking your mind and standing up for what's right, but sometimes we can get carried away.  I believe that knowing when to speak can help everyone grow as people.  Remember when you were younger and you heard the infamous line "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"? That line might have not meant anything to you then but as you get older you'll see that it is actually a very helpful tool when dealing with an aggravating person. Knowing when to speak can save you a terrible headache.

Life is about growing and learning from our mistakes.  Keep in mind that college is an important stepping stone in your life.  As much as you might want to put a professor in the octagon and drop a flying a kick, realize that life doesn't always offer such a barbaric alternative.

(unless you don't mind spending some time in prison for aggravated assault)

SO NO FLYING KICKS!




Catch you next time.

L.U.J