This trick will not work with those irrational fools who drive us to fantasies of pitching them off roof tops. Not worth the jail time.
Heed the words of a wise man who wrote Proverbs 29:9, “Do not contend with a fool, the fool will either rage or laugh, and there will be no peace!” (paraphrased)
At your next business function, wedding, funeral or reunion, to deflect negative attention, after the initial hug or handshake, The Trick is to ask THEM a slew of questions:
- You look fantastic! How’s the new job? (add, you really deserved that promotion, knew you had skills, it’s about time your hard work paid off);
- Great shoes, where did you buy them? (dress, hair, jewelry, whatever vanity hits);
- How’s the kids, grandkids? (that could take a looong time);
- So how was your vacation? (even longer time).
Get THEM to talk about themselves, ooh and aah at the right moments, keep flipping the subject back to THEM, then when they finally walk away, THEY will think you are wonderful!
Because unless you have said something brilliant, or really foolish, after the first few moments, it is all about THEM! Keep them talking about themselves: remember they may also have problems they don't want to discuss.
Our lives can change in a flash: divorce, job loss, health issues, whatever hardship, can make us want to avoid social encounters and any questions about us. But hey, you don’t gotta explain a thing to anyone. Put on your best duds, remember what you are worth, what you have accomplished, and remember to smile!
My neighbor was apprehensive about her high school reunion. She was nervous as serious health issues had drained all their resources, plus she had gained weight and she was dreading the ‘comparisons’ with the imaginary successes of everybody else.
I gave her that advice, practiced it with her, then reminded her of all that she is now, then urged her to smile, and to just enjoy a night out with her husband.
The next day she came back and thanked me for that simple advice. People were so glad to see her, memories were shared and her anxiety evaporated.
Give people a chance to surprise you.
And for those jerks who comment on your weight, just reply, “Better the fat on my ass than yours between the ears.”
No comments:
Post a Comment