Adult Temper Tantrums

  Growing up is sticky business. What with all the things we’re forced to learn in order to survive on our own it’s easy to neglect the essentials we learned as a children. Have you ever seen a story about a full grown adult being hit by a car while crossing the street and wondered why the hell their grown self didn’t stop, listen and look both ways. Cars are not only big but loud so how could you miss it? Assuming they’re weren’t deaf and blind it’s likely they got so caught up in the day to day bull of life that they zoned out and paid the ultimate price. Without the benefit of being able to retreat into a corner and suck our thumbs or the release of a good old fashion gut wrenching, screaming, snot running from your nose cry many adults find it difficult to cope.

   Aside from the danger of moving cars we “Grown Ups” need also be wary of slipping into the clutches of the embarrassing yet hilarious adult temper tantrum. If you won’t admit you’ve had one yourself you’ve at least born witness to that deranged man at Burger King foaming at the mouth and screaming at the cashier because “I said no FUCKING ONIONS AHH.” Little do onlookers know or even care the madman is likely going through some things. But aren’t we all. It’s just funny to see “that guy” throwing the same fit you were the verge of this morning. As he goes clean off he is not aware of the lesson his mother or teacher taught him when he was two. Temper tantrums didn’t work as a child so for damn sure won’t work for an adult.

  

The bible tells us anger begets anger and you’re grandma told you that you catch more flies with honey but mid tantrum just like the child you once were it’s hard to think clearly. You want your way. You want your money back, an apology, a hug and a Lolly Pop. Well sometimes you ain’t gon’ get it and you gotta suck it up. Whatever it is you want you will not get by throwing a tantrum. So the next time you find yourself screaming at your Phone Company, bank, or insurance agency guess, what you’re having a tantrum, so stop, just stop. Your sob story is not sadder than the last thirty the customer service person on the other line just heard. Perhaps even step away from the phone and plan to call back when you’re in a better frame of mine. Trust someone who’s been in customer service for years, tantrums and tears get you absolutely nowhere as an adult.


  

 

Take three deep breaths and let’s revise an old lesson from kindergarten. Let’s STOP and get out of your feelings, LISTEN and grab a pen and a pad to write down the name of the person you’re speaking with and any relevant information. Then LOOK for a solution. Perhaps you need to speak with someone else or maybe even let go of the particular type of solution you’re seeking. For instance if you’re looking for extra money because a bill is due try giving plasma. New donors can typically make about 400 dollars their first month and consistence donors make about 250 a month. If nothing else you can put it in your savings so that you can stop yelling at customer service people because YOU don’t have enough money to pay your bills. That person you’re yelling likely has money problems of their own and would respect and therefore go farther to help you if you’re handling your business like an adult and not throwing tantrums.