James Andrews

There was a time about 8-10 years ago where I would let my anger guide email responses. I would get angry, they would respond angrily and it would continue. Over the years I decided that it wasn’t worth it. I would get an email, and I would be furious. At that point I would stop everything. Close the laptop, and take a walk, play a video game, or even go to bed. Anything to take me away from what ignited my fury. This happened last night. I received an email, and immediately closed the computer. I stomped around the house, grumbling, trying to find an outlet. Doesn’t help that I’m in the middle of planning a wedding and spent the day frustrated over other things. After deciding to stop production on anything productive I was doing, and playing Settlers of Catan, just before bed, I gathered my thoughts, and calmly explained things in a way that was non provoking, and logical. When I woke up, I received an email saying that they agreed with everything I said, had a couple non provoking questions which I answered, and all was diffused and sorted out. The next time some one says something that throws you off the handle, take a walk, take a cold shower, do anything except respond. Then gather your thoughts and respond with intelligence, and thoughtfulness. You’ll feel better about it in the end.