Advent Day 14

For the month of December, we're deviating a bit from our usual postings to share our plan for the holidays. Join us every morning as we unveil our Advent Calendar of things NOT to do. Normal blogging will resume after Christmas as we begin to unveil our new design for Spring 2011.

December 14

Do not let grumpy people spoil your holiday spirit.
You know the ones I mean.

For whatever reason, the holidays really seem to bring out the 'grumpy' in otherwise even-keel people, and if their normal persona is grumpy to begin with.... well, let's not even go there!. If you were to ask a grumpy person why they're acting that way, (and I do NOT recommend this), you'll hear a million different excuses, but here's a few of the most common.
          They are unhappy with events surrounding their lives.
           They're not getting enough sleep.
           They have no time to themselves (to unwind or recharge).
           They're mourning or grieving.
           They have problems at home.
           They're not getting own way.
           They're in financial stress.
But lots of the time, it's just become a habit for them. Being grumpy is simply how they've learned to deal with people and they really don't know any other way to behave. 

Let's face it. Grumpy people are everywhere, and sometimes they're impossible to avoid, (especially if they are members of your family). So what are some strategies we can use so that their crummy attitude doesn't rub off on us?
        
        1- Do not take their behavior personally. Grumpy people tend to be grumpy to everyone, not just you.

        2- Do not fight back. It only feeds their negativity, & chances are they are better than you at being bitter.
        3- Do not appease them. You wouldn't reward a bad dog, so why let a difficult person get away with bad behavior? If you let them get their way, they'll only be encouraged.

        4- Do not try to change them. It's really quite impossible to change someone else's entire being.
        5- Do not lose your cool but be firm and assertive. Let them know you won't be pushed around, but don't exasperate the situation by fighting an unnecessary fight.
        6- Do not argue. If you argue with someone that is being deliberately grumpy, it gives them a chance to justify their behavior. You'll be surprised at how many rediculous arguments a bull-headed person can bring up

So how about you? What are some ways that you find are effective in dealing with grumpy people?