Being an Adult...It's Hard Work

  One of the hardest parts of being an adult is actually having an adult response to a situation. You know....where you stay polite and respectful when faced with anger and resentment. Even while being attacked for your beliefs and opinions. But again I must ask the question. Why does it always have to be me???

  When do I get to behave rudely? Mock people for their opinions? Attempt to embarrass others in front of their peers? Publicly shame someone for disagreeing with me? 

  Oh wait I don't. Because I'm an adult who understands that people think differently and have opinions that don't always agree with mine. As Michelle Obama says "When they go low, we go high". That's what adults do. Real adults. 

  Social media, emails and on-line forums give people who have not quite learned how to be adults yet, an inflated confidence in their behavior. They have a fearlessness that they do not possess when standing face to face. Keyboard courage I believe it's called. 

  When you belittle, mock, shame, bully or be rude to others on-line remember something. This behavior says more about you than it does the person you believe you are superior to. It shows your pettiness, your shame and your lack of self confidence. No matter how much you believe otherwise.

  When you put yourself out there in the cyber world, you open yourself up to all kinds. Those who agree with you and those who don't. We must also be aware that there will be more "con" than "pro" in most cases, be prepared for it and sympathize with those who need to feel superior to a total stranger.

  One final thought. Do not take an adult response, saying nothing and behaving with quiet dignity, as a sign you have succeeded in proving how right you are. It is quite the opposite. You have been shown how to be an adult. 

  Learn from it.

  Ang