If peace is what you want, why do you act in ways that elicit conflict? Prevent conflict all together by treating everyone as a friend.
You cannot control how others act but that doesn’t mean you don’t have an impact. Your words, actions, tone of voice, and facial expressions all have a say in how the world responds to you. Your choices have an impact on those around you.
You say you don’t like how someone treats you, but have you looked inwards and recognized how you treat them? How does your body language change as they enter the room? What thoughts run rampant through your mind when they speak? Are you terse with them when you choose to give them the time of day?
Do you expect them to respond amicably? Maybe you don’t care. But when you complain about how someone treats you and you say you don’t want the conflict, the drama, or bad vibes – you have to do something to change.
That person may not be nice, just in general – that doesn’t mean you can’t try. Be the better person. What we do is we expect the interaction to suck, so we go into it with a shitty attitude that does nothing but exacerbate the negativity.
The best way to be better than them, to prevent conflict, is to not be like them. Treat them like one of your friends – with love, kindness, and care. Drop your typical act – your curtness, chip-on-the-shoulder, couldn’t care less mentality. Just be a good person and treat them well so you can both get on with your day.
If when you choose to be good they still respond with negativity, realize it’s a reflection on them, not you. Finish the interaction with grace and let them go. Leave them to deal with their own bullshit and don’t let them occupy your mind.
All that matters is that you were good. You were better. You didn’t let negativity win. Be grateful and carry on with your day.
October 17, 2022
