What to do when someone has offended you with a comment or a question.

Here is a more nuanced way to reflect on this situation.

Let’s say someone made a comment that was manifestly untrue. For example, they said that you had elements of being lazy. 😁

Now you know you are not a lazy person. So that comment can be easily ignored. If it’s not true, why do you care what has just been said? Don’t waste your time justifying it or trying to understand it. Move on.

Now assume the person said something that really irritated you.

😡 You saw red.
😠 You just wanted to yell at the person.
😣 You felt slighted.
😤 And deeply offended.

Now herein lies the learning.

Sometimes, when people make a comment about us or ask us a question, we get upset because:

😕 it has a truth in it
😦 it may be something we already secretly dislike about ourselves
😟 we are sensitive about it

This, right there, is your opportunity for growth.

😩 Sit in the discomfort.

😳 Ask yourself why you’re feeling so irritated by it.

😭 Could it be that the person has touched a nerve?

So friends, the next time someone says something to you that irritates you, stop and ask yourself why you’re feeling so upset. Try to understand what it is about that comment or question that has angered you so.

You will find that in that moment, you have just had a truth about you exposed.

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