Rules of Life, The, 4th Edition

RULE 16

Count to ten – or recite ‘Baa baa black sheep’

Every now and then someone or something is really going to get your goat. But you’re a Rules Player now and you’re not going to lose your temper any more. How, exactly? The answer is in fact one of those old pearls of wisdom. You get in the habit of counting to ten under your breath while you hope and pray that the feeling of impending rage will subside. It invariably does for me, and gives me those vital seconds to regain my composure and remember where I am and who I am. Once I have collected my wits and calmed down, I can find an appropriate response.

But that counting to ten is essential. ‘Old hat’, I hear you say. Yep, but it works. You don’t like it? Then you are most welcome to find ...