Article: Learning to be patient takes--wait for it--patience. If you are easily frustrated, that isn't likely to change overnight, and being hard on yourself will only add to your frustration. Instead, recognize that you are working toward being more patient and forgive yourself for any mistakes that you make along the way. If you're putting in sincere effort, you deserve to be given a break once in a while, especially from yourself. For example, if you get frustrated sitting in traffic, recognize that you are frustrated and try to calm down. Take some deep breaths, then let it go. There is no need to be frustrated about being frustrated! This will give you can a clear definition of how you are succeeding. Each goal you reach will help motivate you to reach the next. Be proud of the progress you make when you hit each goal and use that energy to push you to your next one. Some examples of goals that lead to being more patient might be things like: Waiting in line without being frustrated. Keeping a positive attitude with co-workers. Overlooking things that your significant other does that you find annoying. Because it will! Being patient benefits you in many ways. First, it helps keep your relationships more loving and respectful and allows you to be calmer and more at peace in general. When you start to feel frustrated, keep in mind that responding with patience will help you live a more satisfying life. You're in this for the long haul, so don't get distracted by minor frustrations along the way. Listen to the inner dialogue that plays out in your mind all day long. This is your "self-talk." Your self-talk can tear you down just as easily the things other people say, or it can boost your confidence. When you analyze yourself and think (or talk) to yourself about being patient, focus on your progress in a positive way. It's easy to get frustrated when you're angry, but positivity will help you calm down and approach things rationally. For example, avoid thoughts like "I'm just not patient enough to deal with that." Instead, frame it in a positive by thinking or saying something like "Dealing with that is going to require a lot of patience. I can do it if I take my time and control my emotions."
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Give it time. Set goals. Remind yourself that patience will pay off. Practice positive self-talk.
Article: If someone you're very close with smokes, like a best friend, parent, or spouse, you may want to respectfully ask them to quit smoking. This can be a touchy situation, so you'll have to approach it delicately. Asking someone to stop smoking is a very serious request. You will probably not want to have this kind of conversation with someone you're not close with as it could be considered simply rude and offensive rather than helpful. If there are specific things that bother you, like kissing just after they've been smoking, let them know. Imagine how your loved one might feel about smoking, and keep these feelings in mind. Many smokers have tried to quit before and failed, so you need to be sensitive to the fact that your loved one may have battled with quitting before. Their smoking might bother them as much (if not more) than it bothers you, so try to remember that this is a struggle for them too. You don't want your loved one to quit smoking just because you don't like the smell but because you're concerned for their health. By emphasizing how much you care about your loved one's health, you can help ensure they know that you're making this request out of love. You can start the conversation by saying something like, "You mean a lot to me, so I want to talk about quitting smoking. I'm just really afraid of what might happen to you if you keep smoking." If you have serious health concerns for yourself, it's okay to share those as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for instance, has compiled a list of effective resources on their website. You may also be able to pick up helpful pamphlets at a doctor's office, hospital, or community health center. Your loved one probably already knows about all the harmful effects of smoking, so don't give them a lecture. They aren't stupid for smoking, they simply have an addiction. Focus on how their smoking makes you feel rather than the facts about the dangers of cigarettes. You can find a guide on how to quit smoking here: https://www.wikihow.com/Quit-Smoking Whenever you notice that your loved one has cut down on smoking a little bit, compliment them on their success and/or let them know how much you appreciate their accommodation. By acknowledging small changes, you can show your loved one that you're in this with them. This may make them feel more cared for and motivated.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Encourage smokers you're close with to quit. Remain sympathetic. Stress how much you care about them. Direct your loved ones to resources on how to quit smoking. Don't lecture. Celebrate their efforts and progress.
Article: If you have reason to think that a difficult business client is a narcissist, try to plan ahead in your dealings with them. It is important to avoid openly argument or disagreement. This will only make them angry or, worse, lead them to turn on or undermine you. Try instead to anticipate. Imagine what sort of demands they might spring. This will allow you to be prepared upfront without having to enter a confrontation or give ground, both of which, in view of narcissists' inability to empathize, could be disastrous for your business relationship. Choose your words carefully. A narcissist will read criticism into very innocuous comments, resulting in a tantrum or a potentially damaging, unprofessional display. Tread lightly around a controlling business partner or client, knowing that the least word could set them off. You might not have a choice about dealing with a client, and your job may depend on getting along with them. Literally watch what you say, as well: take down the minutes of your meetings and telephone calls. Communicate very clearly about your project, timetables, and your client's expectations. This will give you support in case they make new demands or accuse you of breaking an agreement. Controlling people are often perfectionists; some of them, like Steve Jobs, are indeed visionaries. In a business situation it may be best to play to your controlling client's narcissistic tendencies. Stroke their ego without being servile. For example, lead them to think that your ideas and suggestions are really their own. Try to finesse them to the desired end rather than being goaded into an argument. The perfectionism of a controlling client will make it difficult to please. Expect constant demands on your time and to hear that your work is not good enough. Do not be surprised if the client tries to threaten or bully you or to accuse you of mismanagement. Challenging a narcissist will get you nowhere because, to them, they are always right and you are always wrong. By the same token, however, do not show hesitation or weakness. If you must, gently hold your ground and insist upon your initial agreement, using notes as back up.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Plan ahead. Watch what you say. Stroke their ego while guiding them. Do not expect to please them.