The last thing you want to do when someone cuts you off in traffic, doesn’t say thank you or doesn’t hold a door open for you, is to take it personally. Keep in mind that such behavior is not directed at you, it’s directed at the world. People who behave like this are generally miserable and unhappy with little or no joy or fun in their lives. If you respond in kind, you only reinforce their jaded view of the world which means they’re even more likely to behave the same way in the future. So, instead of becoming angry or upset with such people, feel sorry for them. Take consolation in the fact that they’re stuck with their miserable unhappy selves for the rest of their life while you only had to deal with them for ten seconds. Then take the high road by smiling, wishing them well, and moving on.

One Sentence Wisdom

• “He who angers you controls you.” — Elizabeth Kenny
• “The only way to win with a toxic person is not to play.” — Unknown

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