Sunday, October 7, 2012
Week of October 1-7 - Question 3
A concept that I found very interesting was in the section called “Choose Whether and How to Express Emotions”. It discussed four guidelines to help you decide how to express emotions. The first guideline was to evaluate your current state. If you’re extremely upset you will see things differently than if you would be happy, and you could end up saying something that you don’t mean. Apparently it takes 20 minutes for our brains to cool down from being angry, so it’s a good idea to rationalize a bit before expressing emotions to others (Wood, 193). Next is to decide who you want to express your feelings to. Sometimes it’s not best to express yourself to the person who is the target of your emotions. You may end up hurting them or saying something you don’t mean, so sometimes it’s best to vent to someone you trust first. The third step is to find an appropriate time to discuss your feelings. The best time is when neither one of you are busy or mentally preoccupied with something. That way, the other person can understand where you’re coming from better. The last step is to choose an appropriate setting to talk. It’s best to avoid discussing personal matters online or over text because things can be taken out of context, and you’re not able to read body language. Speaking in private with the person is usually the best setting because they won’t feel like they’re being put on display.
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Hi Tiziann,
ReplyDeleteI think this was some great insight that you pointed out. Often when I become upset or angry, my first thought is to confront that person right then and there. The problem is that I am not normally able to articulate what I want to say and it is often only the emotionally irrationally side of me speaking. I never take the time to take into account other views or perspectives. I really wish that I could make myself wait for one hour to respond or contact the other party. After reading this chapter it is amazing to see the variables that could lead to a better dialogue and communication. The problem is that it actually is very difficult and tough to implement.
I enjoyed your post on hoe to express emotions. This is a valuable piece from the text because it is something that everyone should know how to do! We don’t want to harm anyone’s feelings with our emotions so it is a good thing to be able to control them. Following the steps you outlined in your post are a great way to help control your emotions. I also liked how you described talking with someone at an appropriate time. You are right; neither person involved should be mentally or physically preoccupied when you talk to them. Great post this week!
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