The seed for this article actually started at work—an issue with a colleague and not one of my children, but I realized that it carries over into parenting too. As parents (and people) there are just so many things that we can control and influence, and then there are going to be those things that other people do or say—personality traits—that we have absolutely no control over. When it is something that really makes us crazy, how can we let it go? How can we NOT let it bother us?
I am quite certain that we have all had the experience of having to live or work with someone that had personality traits that just rubbed us the wrong way. Those habits or sayings or mannerisms that people have that if we had our own way, we would just make them disappear. Some people have to learn to tolerate and live with them in spouses, children, and even friends, family and coworkers. But, the question is, HOW do we do it?
I wish I had some definite words of wisdom here, but I confessed earlier that I am still working on this one! With my children, I love them so much and I know we are bonded for life so I find a way to let go and accept them as they are. Not so easy with colleagues and friends who I am actually choosing to spend time with. It is harder for me because I often just want to STOP the whole interaction if they are driving me too crazy with their personality ticks. Even though I know that is unfair and judgmental, it is still my first instinct. I would like to learn how to bring more of my patient parenting and tolerance I have for my children into my other relationships!
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