. Holiday “People” Survival Skills

It seems that during the holiday season, we have an evening, a day, or sometimes a whole week when we are around people we don’t usually spend a lot of time with otherwise.  They have traveled here or maybe we’ve traveled there.  During our time together, we are likely to have some interactions with them that can cause us to become confused, upset, and somewhat disorganized within.  May I share three holiday “people” survival skills that have served me well and which may be something you’d like to think about as you approach the upcoming holiday season.

First, it is likely there will be someone who will criticize you. There may be one or even several people that will give you advice.  Then, there may be an occasional person that will share a compliment.  May I suggest you think for a minute about what you can anticipate from certain people during your time together and be prepared with some ready-made answers so your insides can stay ordered even as your outside “smiles.”

Then,accept criticism with a slight smile, and this, “Thank you.  I appreciate your perspective.”  Don’t try to justify yourself, make excuses, explain, or give any more details.  Let it stay right there.  Smile and say, “Thank you very much.  I appreciate your perspective.”

You might get some advice. If you do, give a little bit bigger smile and then use this phrase to deflect challenges that could incur from such a conversation, “That’s an interesting idea; I’ll have to think about it.”  By saying this, you are accepting the fact that they have given you advice (which they may or may not have had the right to do), but you’re also letting them know that you’re still in charge.  “What an interesting idea,” you might say.  “I’ll think about it.”

Please accept all compliments with the biggest smile of all, and if it’s appropriate even a return hug.  Then say, “I am so lucky to have you in my life.”

My friends, let’s order the way we will get along with the important, difficult, nice and not so nice people over this holiday season with three “people” survival skills.  When criticism comes, say, “Thank you.  I appreciate your perspective.”  Let’s accept advice with, “What an interesting idea to think about.”  And let’s appreciate compliments with, “I am so lucky to have you in my life.”  (Which I am!)

May you have a very nice holiday week!

Find more helpful ideas in my House of Order Handbook.