Feb 27 2009
Dealing With A Difficult Situation?
Every once in a while I load up the old Ebay page and either buy or sell something. Some of us have done it. I don’t usually do it alot, but after years of patronage I’ve accumlated a ranking in the few hundred range.
Last week, I listed an item for sell for a family member. For the first time in years I was confronted with a difficult buyer from the get go. This woman sent me an email requesting an invoice for payment. In her email she went on to give me instructions in this color of text on how to bill her for the item won. This color is quite hard on the eyes. Wouldn’t you agree? Needless to say the invoice was not to her specifations and she sent another email questioning my reliability as a seller.
I, of course, became offended that this person would insinuate that I was anything but an honest seller and that my item won’t arrive as described in the auction. It down right had me boiling for most of the day, but finally reason overcame and simmered me down.
Not all of you may face this situation as I have with the lady and the item on ebay. However, somewhere, sometime, you will face people who upset you, annoy you, and down right make you angry. Walk it off, talk it off (walls work best), and work it off. Don’t hold these feelings inside nor take them out on someone who is an innocent bystandard. Don’t jump in the heat of the moment either. Give yourself time - reason will come to your rescue.
After I received this woman’s email, I walked away from it. I sent her a new invoice. Then I went about my daily tasks and tended to the needs of my children. In the evening I talked about it with my husband. After a good night’s sleep and letting the ashes of anger smolder, I responded via email.
Today, step back from the person or the situation that bothers you, hurts you, angers you, or annoys you. If the pot of misery is stirring, talk to somebody and invite rationality to join in the situation. If it takes a day or two to gather your thoughts, work through your feelings, go ahead and take your time.
Remember how you handle a situation today will pass on and effect others tomorrow.
What situation are you dealing with today? How will you handle it?
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- What happens now? Dealing with a diagnosis of autism.
