How to Stop Bottling Up Frustration With People
Coworkers, other parents, family: for the thing you couldn’t say back.
Frustration with people is hard to handle because there is another person involved. Even if nothing gets solved right away, a few ways of thinking can make it lighter.
Separate how you felt from what they meant
“I was hurt” is a true feeling, whether or not the other person meant harm. Start by letting your own feeling be real.
You don’t have to be liked by everyone
No matter how careful you are, some people just won’t be a good fit. Keeping your distance is not running away; it is choosing to protect yourself.
If you speak up, start with “I”
“I felt…” is easier for the other person to hear than “You always…”.
Write down what you can’t say
If you can’t say it to them, try writing it first. Sometimes writing shows you what you really want to say.