People who express frustration, irritation, and anger want validation for their feelings. They want YOU to feel the same way. Don’t get in their boat! It does no good for them or ourselves to get in their boat of negativity . . . You both go over the falls!
When someone expresses negative feelings and reactions, our job is to stand on the shore, give a slight wave and say, “is there anything I can do to help?” If we cannot offer safe assistance, we need to move forward in our own positive direction, not sucked into the whirlpool of their destructive moods.
From shore, we can give assistance and true guidance so they can safely direct themselves through choppy circumstances. Mahatma Gandhi said, “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.”
Don’t get in their boat! Their feelings may not be valid or expressed with full understanding and maturity. Don’t get in their boat! Your feelings and viewpoint are just as valid and should not be left adrift in the wake of someone else’s crisis and worldview. Don’t get in their boat!
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