Time Out!

When I was a kid we would yell "TIME OUT" in the middle of a game to run for a drink, go to the bathroom, or do something else without loosing our "spot" or place in the game. My Grand son now is given "Time out" to calm down if he is over excited or angry and or out of control.

I decided that that is a pretty good idea still for adults too! Now when I hear something, read something or see something that gets me upset I give myself a "Time out" before I respond. It has saved me from jumping in where I have no business, allowed me to approach problems in a more positive and efficient manner and kept me from adding to the problem so often it is amazing! Often it gives me achance to realize that my input is not needed at all! That some things are best left unsaid and unanswered.

Sometimes I forget to take "time out" and regret it everytime. But now my Grandson can remind me!

Hey, are you Zany - muse or GRANNY -muse? Wait till post you something on "Anger".

Good observation Zany, if we all could do this the world would be a calmer and friendlier place. I'll try to do my part.

Zany you are right we could all do with learning and using the time out method.

Another trick I was told while on a customer service course was, when confronted by an angry person, stand up calmly. Don't hold anything in front of you, just stand up, maintain eye contact and (this is important) listen to whats being said. Speak when there is a gap, this gives you time to calm down and think about your reply. This immediately diffuses the situation, the other person will go back to talking normally and (in my experience) apologising for being angry in the first place. Oddly enough, standing up when on the telephone makes you more assertive too.

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Dinu, I Like Grannymuse! LOL :} Guess both fit! As for Anger...Well, if you Reap what you Sow, Be careful what seeds you plant! Be quick to plant a compliment or laughter and slow to plant anger and you will have a healthier and happier harvest!

AMEN to that Zanymuse! I dealt successfully with the public for 22
yrs in a supervisory position, and
Baa, you got in down pat.

"eyes"

My hubby and I were just in the big city of COlumbus yesterday and couldn't help but notice the lack of response from people when we'd nod and say a friendly "hi" to people. Funny that, just thirty minutes away in our relatively small town, just about everyone will return your greeting - that is, if they don't beat you to it!

We commented on how much friendlier a place the world would be if people would just extend the simple courtesies like hello's and such. They're such basic things, but make such a lasting impression.

I also notice the closer you get to the more urban setting, the less people "wave". When we head to the more rural parts of Nebraska, every body waves. And some waves seem to be more significant than others - i.e. some just nod, some just raise the index finger, some raise their whole hand. It seems in the city, the only people who wave are raising the "naughty finger".

I also vote for an afternoon nap. I wonder if everyone took a nap, if people wouldn't have a better outlook on life.

I know what you mean!! Howard and I pulled onto our street yesterday and saw one of our neighbors down the street out in his front yard. I can't recall if we'd ever actually seen him before. He and his wife are probably in their 60's and have a darling old 20's bungalow with the prettiest cottage garden.

...Anyway, I waved from the passenger window of the car and he happily waved back with BOTH hands, smiling the whole time. It was a real trip! Made our day, I'll tell ya! :O)

I spent over 20 years in Southern California and startled a great many people by making eye contact and smiling and saying good morning or afternoon! Friends would say "You know so many people" And I would reply. "Oh I don't know them I just acknowledge them!" I found working with the public was simple. Be friendly, Be polite, Be soft spoken but b
Be firm. It worked for me! I called it the 4 B's of success! And it worked in the city as well as in the country.

You are absolutely right, Zany. It's funny -- my husband and I get the same reactions from friends. They'll say (especially to Howard), "Oh, who was that?" and he'll say, "I dunno." :o) He'll often find me yakking with some total stranger in the craft or plant aisle of a store...Fair warning! As if you couldn't already tell I like folks!

Zany, here is what I promised:
EIGHT FACTS ABOUT ANGER
1. THE GREATEST REMEDY FOR ANGER IS DELAY
2. ANGER DOES MORE HARM TO WHERE IT IS STORED
THAN WHERE IT IS POURED
3. WHEN A PERSON STRIKES IN ANGER
HE USUALLY MISSES THE MARK
4. YOU CAN’T PUT THINGS ACROSS BY GETTING CROSS
5. SWALLOWING ANGRY WORDS IS EASIER
THAN HAVING TO EAT THEM
6. THE ANGER OF TODAY
IS THE REMORSE OF TOMORROW
7. FOR EVERY MINUTE YOU ARE ANGRY
YOU LOSE 60 SECONDS OF HAPPINESS
8. ANGER IS JUST 1 LETTER SHORT OF DANGER

Hope you like it.

Thanks Dinu! I printed that and will put a copy on my desk!

Me too,thank you'

ZANY,you just HIT me in the head , THANK YOU ,me with foot in mouth consistantly, the back of my head is sore from cuffing , this is a good thing thank you again I will time out well. JACK AND 3 yr old.