Most of us know someone who, for whatever reason, always seems to cause problems, irritate others, or incite conflict. Often, these people are a part of our daily lives. The truth is that these trouble makers haven’t necessarily asked to be this way. Sometimes we need to learn new approaches to deal with people who are harder to get along with or love.
Here are five tips on how to handle these types of people from How to Hug a Porcupine, from Hatherleigh Press:
Don’t blame yourself. If a situation quickly becomes awkward when you encounter a strange porcupine, remember, it isn’t your fault. The awkwardness is emanating from the porcupine, not you.
Try a kind word. Some days you just don’t have the time to really talk to someone and guide them past whatever is bothering them. So, keep things simple, and just offer a kind word. Sometimes, that’s all that’s needed to change a porcupine’s outlook.
Give your porcupine time. Your porcupine’s needs and fears go way back. Uncovering them and dealing with them is a time-consuming process. Don’t rush things. Take the time that is needed. Your patience will be reassuring.
Don’t try to win. There are no winners and losers in a relationship. The same goes for discussions with your porcupine. If you’re trying to win, you’re sure to lose.
Pay attention. Pay attention… a lot of attention. If you know your porcupine doesn’t like loud music or spicy foods, then exposing them to either one is just asking for trouble. Sometimes, avoiding conflict can make a world of difference.
How to Hug a Porcupine: Easy Ways to Love Difficult People in Your Life, explains that making peace with others isn’t as tough or terrible as we think it is–especially when you can use an adorable animal analogy and apply it to real-life problems. How to Hug a Porcupine provides tips for calming the quills of parents, children, siblings, strangers, and other prickly people you may encounter. With a foreword by noted psychotherapist Dr. Debbie Ellis, How to Hug a Porcupine is a truly special book.
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HOW TO HUG A PORCUPINE
978-1-57826-293-9, $12.50 hardcover
978-1-57826-537-4, $9.99 eBook
From Hatherleigh Press.
Distributed through Random House.
Available where ever books and eBooks are sold.
www.hatherleighpress.com
