When friends behave strangely, act out of character, or do something that in any other situation, with anyone else, you might take offense, take a deep breath and give them the benefit of the doubt.
Ask yourself, “If the situation were reversed, what would I want most from me right now?” Then do that.
Because you care.
Because you, too, make mistakes.
Because you don’t require perfection from others.
Because part of being a friend is loving them when they can’t love themselves.
It takes a wise person to move from "WTF" and reacting — to "I wonder what's really going on here" and empathic/objective response. I suppose that means we all have to grow up if we want to be capable of acting like adults LOL.
Easier said than done. Especially when there are still days when the overriding emotion is "I want the GOOD mommy to come and take care of me! Right now!!" That's when it helps to know how to create some instant objectivity in a situation. Wish I knew how to get some of that and bottle it — I'd make a fortune!
You are so very right about that, we really need to not judge and create a dialog to really talk and through talking you may even find out what caused the whole scenario in the first place. Think before reacting the wrong way after all you are friends and that is what real friends do.
I like what you said about not reacting right away. To take a step back and reverse the situation. That is not always easy to do and in some circumstances you wont always think to do that. I know if I am already in a bad mood during anytime of the day I find it hard to not react and think first. I know a lot of people find this hard. Even though this is true if we all did at least try to do that the world will be a better place for all.
I agree what Charlie is saying that yes it is hard sometimes not to react and think first but if we all did just try to think first before reacting the whole world would be a better place. I find it useful when at a stressful part of my day to take a couple minutes and do breathing exercises. They seem to calm me down and bring me back to my center.
yea its really hard to come up with positive when you get into a argument.. but its all about taking a step back.. and being calm..