Avoid an Emotional Meltdown

Your knee-jerk reactions can leave you looking like a total jerk. Learn to manage the moment, and you’ll be happier, healthier, and a hell of a lot more fun to be around.

 

 

1. FRUSTRATION
A friendly dinner with Dad erupts into shouting.

THE REMEDY
Tell your dad his opinions are valid. That statement alone can keep heads cool, says Daniel Post Senning, coauthor of Emily Post’s Etiquette.
NEXT TIME
Ask more questions so your dad has a chance to explain himself. If tempers flare anyway, give him the last word and drop it.

 

2. ANGER
Cut off in traffic, you honk, curse, and flip the bird.

THE REMEDY
Flash a peace sign, even if it feels silly or difficult. “It’ll help calm your road rage,” says New York City psychologist Dr Jeffrey Gardere.
NEXT TIME
Learn to expect mistakes from other people. Accepting that the occasional slip up will happen can help you stay cool.

3. JEALOUSY
Her ex calls just to say hi, and you act like she cheated.

THE REMEDY
Own up to your feelings and admit that you acted like a tool, Post Senning says. Then promise her you’ll handle your jealousy better in the future.
NEXT TIME
If it really bothers you, use the neutral sentence structure “When you X, I feel Y,” says Post Senning.

 

4. IMPATIENCE
A waiter forgets your drink, and you rip into him.

THE REMEDY
Apologise to the waiter and your tablemates, and then be sure to leave a generous tip, says Lauren M. Bloom, author of The Art of the Apology.
NEXT TIME
Don’t let your annoyance fester. Seek out your server right away so you can politely explain the problem.

 

5. STRESS
A junior colleague fumbles a task, so you blow up at him.

THE REMEDY
Fess up to your boss before someone else talks. “If it’s not typical behaviour, you’ll probably be forgiven,” says Bloom. Then apologise to your colleague.
NEXT TIME
Take a walk. Five minutes of outdoor exercise can help boost mood, a UK study finds.

 

 

Words by Angela Giannopoulos. Image from Freeimages.com