BEING RESPONSIVE INSTEAD OF REACTIVE

     It's hard not to get defensive when we are verbally attacked, especially when we don't see it coming. We feel side-swiped, lamb-basted, knocked off kilter. It's hard not to react with vigor, and maybe sometimes, that's exactly what we should do, but usually, such a reaction only serves to escalate the situation.
     Better to register our internal alarm and remain calm on top if we can- to say nothing and do nothing until we have had a chance to understand what is really being said. Sometimes, lots of times, an attack has nothing to do with us at all, and it's simply someone lashing out recklessly because of their own consuming fear.

When I feel attacked in life, I have the patience to cool down and consider the real reality before I respond.