How Best to Deal with The Elephant in The Room
by Have you ever found yourself having a conversation with someone when there was an obvious issue that wasn’t being addressed? These situations are awkward, annoying, and usually uncomfortable for both parties. Find out the best way to deal with these sorts of situations.
Recently, while attending a small family get-together, I was confronted by my uncle who I had serious issues with. Despite his knowledge of my anger at him he decided it was appropriate to engage in a particularly long conversation with me. This conversation got even more annoying and awkward as time progressed for he would do things to make the conversation even more uncomfortable than it already is. If you have ever found yourself in a situation like this then you know what I was experiencing. Being in a moment like this is truly awkward and being caught off-guard and unprepared (like I was) can cause headaches. When there is some underlying conflict between two or more individuals, it is best to be prepared and know what to do if the problem arises. Find the best way to avoid situations like this and how best to deal with them.
Prevention:
The saying goes a pound of cure is equal to an ounce of prevention. This saying holds particularly true to elephants in the room. Carry yourself in a manner where such a looming issue never forms. Be kind and courteous to everyone and try not to cause confrontations that will ultimately develop into a impediment on a relationship you have with someone. Of course, this isn’t always possible. If an issue has already developed, don’t go out of your way to talk with this person or put yourself in a situation where you might potentially interact with him or her. This is especially true if the problem has just arisen. Prevention might just be the best weapon in your aresonal.
Hug it out:
This method usually works best when some time has passed and you have some humility. Go up to the person, address the situation, and express your regrets that such a thing ever formed and that you wish to be a better person because of it. Whether or not he or she accepts or rejects your apology you come off looking like the bigger person in the situation. Also, this might also help clear your conscience if perhaps you feel some guilt in the matter. Of course, this method has its pros and cons. True, you have the potential to clear up some nastiness, but you also run the risk of being rejected. Also, someone who feels that have been wronged in a situation probably will be less likely to take this approach. However, a good portion of the time by leading by example you allow him or her the opportunity to apologize for what he or she has done too. Even if that person doesn’t apologize back or flat out rejects your apology, you can say that you at least tried. That alone should be a large weight off of your chest.
Liked it
