react with grace and patience in every situation

Verizon DSL sucks. I switched to the service, it was never stable and I switched back to Comcast. Verizon DSL repeatedly talked me into the service by offering free months so I would not disconnect. “We will get the problem solved yada yada.” The bottom line is the service was bad.

But these people would not let me disconnect. They blamed it on the weather, day of the week and most of all me. Then they said they would charge me to early termination and would not waive the fee. I basically ended up screaming on the phone to cut the sh*t and let me go. I actually said to someone on the phone “I hate you guys so much! Let me go!”

I had a headache for 2 hours after and my day was ruined. I was doing good at reacting with grace and did not want to end 2008 like this. I was mad at the early termination until I realized between the discounts Comcast offered me to come back I came out $300 ahead. Bye Verizon DSL. You really do suck.

I really have to stop screaming and find a way to repeat “I do not want to discuss. Please terminate the service.” I have to repeat and repeat. Otherwise I end up screaming at people that acknowledge that their service in my area sucks but still want me to buy it.

Sometimes I am tested by the weirdest situations. Yesterday I am at the supermarket buying yogurt. As I am choosing favors and placing them in the basket. Suddenly, there is a voice from this woman that informs me that I have taken up the last container of her favorite flavor. Now, keep in mind:

1. It is a supermarket, first come, first serve
2. I don’t know (or care) what is her favorite flavor is

Did this woman deserve a face and huff from me? Yes. Did I react? No. I showed her the last container I picked up. She waved her hand, “No, that is not it” Then I did not say a word, but slowly backed up and walked away.

What’s wrong with people?

I am starting to think of this a matter of knowing your triggers and being aware of how those triggers go off. So my question to myself is what are my triggers?

I am acheiving this in the personal (yay me!). Now I am extending it to my professional life.

My new contactor promised to get some things done last week before the first tenant moved in to the investment property on the weekend. He didn’t…basically he went missing for 2 days. I was calm and just keep calling. I reinforced his verbal promise. Finally when he did arrive, I survived the job AND gave him a very nice tip when he was finished. No screaming. All dignity.

This week I got locked out of the investment home, I handle it very well. Yay me!

My handyman hit on me! The dude that did my bathroom in the past who I had over to change a light fixture. The dude with a wife and a 10 year old at home. That dude hit on me by placing his rough hands on my butt. I led him to the door and that was that. No screaming…no slamming of doors. But it was deserved!

but people are making it hard. Like my date who gave my belongings I left at his place to the Salvation Army. How do you not get angry in such a situation?

The good news is that I am getting good at it at my job. There have been moments of high pressure that I went through with grace.