Strategy Two: Have a great memory already selected—what I call “go to your happy place” ready. When that stressor moment begins, think of the happiest memories you have. (Hey, you really can only partially listen, you already know the story….) Some of my happiest memories are the births of my sons; each time I think of those memories, I smile automatically and begin to relax. Holding those happy thoughts changes your body language and the thoughts around the current situation. Yes, you really can “head-fake” yourself out of a negative reaction.
Strategy Three: Have a buddy. Let your buddy know how to intervene when “that family member starts….” Have her intervene by asking a question or having a task for you.
Strategy Four (and Four-and-a-half) –>