How Do You Address Hot Topics Without Getting Heated?
I used to live in a tiny apartment with very thin walls. One Friday night I was listening to music while getting ready to go out when I heard pounding come through my ceiling. I thought my upstairs neighbor must have dropped something accidentally, so I ignored it and went on applying my mascara. Moments later it happened again and I realized what was going on. My neighbor was deliberately stomping on her floor as a way to ask me to turn down my music. I was furious. My first response was to run upstairs and curse her out. “This is a horrible way to communicate! If you want me to turn the volume down, walk downstairs and knock on my door! Besides, my music isn’t even that loud. Get a life! It’s seven o’clock on a Friday night.” Luckily I caught myself before embarking on my tirade and instead walked upstairs, knocked on her door and asked calmly, “Are you trying to tell me to turn my music down?” She nodded and I responded, “I’m happy to do so, but next time, please just ask. The pound
