Break Time Quickie - Even wild flowers can blossom

We all know somebody - perhaps a relative, a friend, a work colleague or an acquaintance - who despite best efforts of others simply doesn't seem able or willing to 'tow the line', so to speak.

Their view of the world and what is expected of them appears totally distorted and at odds with what is considered 'appropriate' by society's standards. And no matter how often they are asked or encouraged to adopt a more polite, responsible, less obstinate and non polarising demeanour, they continue to do so, at best oblivious to the effect their attitude has on others or at worst revelling in their reactions.

This can be an immense form of stress, not only because we fear what impact the unpredictability of such a person's actions may have on us, but because in many cases we genuinely care for the wellbeing of the individual in question.

So how do we manage a stress such as this, which is born largely of a feeling of impotence in the face of trying to effect a change in conduct

Well firstly, we simply accept that we cannot (and arguably it is not for us to) alter someone's behaviour. Our posts entitled "Break Time Quickie - Adopt the French approach of "Laissez Faire" to StressBust™"  and "Break Time Quickie - Don’t try to be a Police Chief!" illustrate the relevance of this.

Secondly, appreciate a rebellious nature is not always a bad thing provided the individual is not creating risk to themselves or others. Indeed, some of the greatest inventions and developments of this or any other age have come about through so called 'disrupters' who were shunned by their peers of the time for refusing to accept the social, business or technological norms of the day. So maybe remind them gently from time to time of the benefits to them of a certain degree of compliance - see our post entitled "The Relationship between Legal Compliance & Stressbusting™"  - but don't overdo it as this could cause a further rebound.

And thirdly, remember that the passage of time and experience can change a person naturally for the better or worse, but that as individuals, one of the hardest virtues we should learn to better embrace is that of patience - see our posts entitled "Modes of Questioning to Stressbust™ for Loved Ones" and "Master this Patience Technique to Stressbust™".  

In other words, left to their own devices without too harsh a judgement and with a bit of forbearance, even wild flowers may blossom - perhaps because they are so misunderstood in the first place.

Of course, if you are in any way concerned that a person may be suffering from an underlying condition or might harm themselves or others, then this ought not to be ignored whatever your relationship with them, because early intervention could be crucial. Please see our Legal Notices page for further info in this regard.

Much love 

LouLoU™&MikeyM™

😛😍🥰😘 xxxx