How to Cope When Sacred Things are Discredited

We live in a global community where people have so many differences. These differences enable people to learn from each other and fuel individual growth. Those differences can also cause rancor when another person discredits something that an individual loves or believes. People can learn to cope in these instances as well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Stay calm and do not overreact. When someone discredits a thing you love, the first reaction is to get angry and confrontational. This is probably the worst thing a person can do because it can result in a riff in the friendship or worse. Just stay calm and listen to what the other person has to say.
2. React with reasoned and well thought out response. After you listen to what the detractor has to say, explain why you feel the way do in a considerate and thoughtful manner. Do not react with emotion when you can say something you may regret.
3. Say nothing to this person if you cannot contain your emotions at the present time. Just find a place where you can relax and either think of a calm rebuttal or simply let the detraction go without a response. If you choose not to respond, make sure you do not repress any negative emotions which can come out in at another time.
4. Try to see both sides of the argument. Do not dismiss their opinion without any examination. Look at their reasoning for validity, because no one is always right.
5. Choose another time to speak to this person about the topic. Right now, you may not be ready to engage them in debate, so ask them if you table the discussion for a later date.