RULE 59
Be tolerant
I used to work with a guy who sang loudly to himself at his desk, which was in the same office as mine. Friendly guy, always cheerful (hence the singing), but he drove me mad with frustration. I found it really hard to concentrate on my work. When I tried to discuss it, he couldn’t see it from my perspective, and thought I should just cheer up and enjoy it.
Now, this wasn’t the most empathetic response he could have made, but he did sort of have a point. Because I’ve found over the years that the biggest problem with irritating people is me. It’s my response. When someone sings at their desk, or is always bragging, or makes snide comments, or talks endlessly, or never says no to their kids, I feel irritated and frustrated. ...
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