Do not react immediately

Many people react immediately to the words and behavior of others. Whether it is an unreasonable demand being made or discouraging words being shouted, they become tense right away as blood pressure rises to dangerous levels. Perhaps you are one of these people. If so, you may be thinking: What can I do in such a situation?

First of all, you cannot change another person and you may not be able to get out of the situation. Therefore, you need to learn how to change yourself and deal effectively with the situation.

Secondly, know that you have a choice. You do not have to react. Do not allow anyone to take away something as precious as peace of mind. Listen to the words and then make up your mind to accept them or not to accept them. If the words are undesirable and damaging, let them go through one ear and out the other. Do not allow them to remain in the mind. Words such as, "You will never amount to anything,' or 'You are a fool and don't know anything,' or 'You never do anything right' can affect you throughout life if you allow them to do so.

Sometimes a request or a demand is made. Know that you are not obligated to provide an answer right away. If a request is made of you, you have the right to say, "I will get back to you," or "I will have to think about it." This way, you will have some time to make the right decision and provide the correct answer.

Unless it's a life-or-death situation, you do not have to react to it immediately.