A passage for reflection

from “Chapter 3: The Power of Emotions on Behavior” in AWAY from the MADDING WORLD

People’s irrational behavior disturbs us. We do not know, and do not care to ascertain, why certain people act irrationally. Regardless, we tend to jump to assumptive conclusions about such behaviors. But if a friend of yours suddenly snaps out for no overt reason, you do not rush to judge him, realizing that it is atypical of his known personality and character. We should likewise comprehend that people speak and act irritably at times for unknown reasons.

It is a given that we at core are the same individuals acting differently and exhibiting different facets of human nature according to good and bad influences and circumstantial demands. Hence, when you come upon an agitated individual, one way to placate yourself is to conjecture that he, who feels threatened by some sort of insecurity, is in an instinctive self-defense mode. Rather than fuming over his ill-temper, reflect over his predicament. Visualize him having a difficult relationship, a horrible day, or other nagging, unstated problems. Obviously, this stance, which is nonconfrontational as well as empathetic, you also adopt with the intention of suppressing your negative reaction. Negative reaction is an infection; negative overreaction is an infestation.

Many a time, assumptions, stress, and angst about imagined dangers and uncertainties produce overreactions, but we feel embarrassed upon realizing our hotheadedness, which is a wild emotional element. Reasonably reacting to any situation is not a crime. It is tolerable. Unfortunately, and certainly, many of us are irrational under pressure.