Much of the hostility we encounter is due to ignorance and misunderstanding. Often times, when each side develops a better understanding of the other, there is no more cause for anger.
The next time you're confronted with hostility, take the time to explain yourself -- clearly, patiently, sincerely, and without bitterness or sarcasm. And put yourself in the other person's shoes. Endeavor to understand their perspective.
How you react to hostility is up to you. You can escalate the fight to the point where nobody wins. Or, you can seek to give, and to gain, understanding.
Understanding serves to cool the anger. It can reveal common grounds for agreement and cooperation.
Yes, there are some people who just want to be angry, no matter what. But there are many others who just want to be understood.
-Ralph Marston
Thursday, April 21, 2011
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