Sometimes People Get On Your Last Nerve

“She just tapped into my reserve nerve.” You may have said this or thought this recently. Oh, people can be irritating. Their behavior bugs you, and their quirky ways get on your nerves. You have tried not to let it bother you, but your patience is running on empty. You are attempting to control your temper but are about to tell the person what you really think in not so nice terms. So, would that really be helpful or would it even make a difference?

This is really about how you interact and deal with people. You are allowing other people’s behaviors to control your emotions. You are reacting and absorbing another person and not being the person you are and were created to be. If it is someone you interact with frequently, the person has power over you and is manipulating your emotions. They have gotten to you, and they probably know it, too.

How about a new way of dealing with life? Let’s make a plan. Step into your closet and shut the door or go out in a twenty-acre field and scream, yell, get mad, punch a pillow, kick the dirt, and get it out of you. Now release those feelings. Treat others not how they treat you or act but treat them for who you are. Give them respect and acceptance as a person because that is who you are. You cannot change their behaviors, but you can change how you interact with them and allow them to get on your nerves.

Yes, people can be irritating, annoying, exasperating, and rub you the wrong way. In your head, you may be thinking – “Are you really going to be like that?” It is reminding yourself, “Will it really matter tomorrow or next week what the person just said or did?” Really? Yes, it infuriates you right now, but it will probably not make a real difference in your life tomorrow.

You are aggravated with another person’s lack of consideration. You can be irritating too and try the patience of others if you admit it. The faults of others are evident, and irritation grows when a person does not change even when told what they are doing bothers you. Sometimes, when you share with love and concern, a person will receive your comments as constructive. You want the person to be successful by making changes in behaviors that irritate others and prevent them from being listened to or respected.

Every person has some peculiar habits and expressions. Sometimes, you need to ask the person, “Could you not do that now, please?” Other times you need to accept that it is just who the person is and try not to focus on it. Chill out. Don’t take everything so seriously or that it is about you. Other times you need to know your limitations and walk away. Tell yourself, “I can handle being around that person for an hour, and then I will leave.” Reminding yourself you can step out gives you an alternative way to deal with the situation.

Someone or some situation will irritate you. Slow down. Take a deep breath. Pray. Don’t let it define you or control you. Give yourself time to get over it and release it. Move forward.

Elaine J. Sturtz

Living In The Different