 |
USE YOUR BRAIN POWER!
STOP!
· Never rush into any situation.
THINK.
· Do you really want to do this? Why or why not? What will happen if you do it? What will happen if you don't? Remember, everything you do has a consequence.
LISTEN!
· Listen to your 'gut reaction.' What is it saying? Do what is right for YOU!
DECIDE.
· Make your choice and stick to it. You do not have to tell anybody why you have made a choice. YOU are the one that has to live with it!
THINK ABOUT YOUR CHOICES. You can...
WALK AWAY.
· Say nothing; just leave. OR,
SUGGEST SOMETHING ELSE.
· Try to get your friends to do something else that is fun, but not threatening to anyone - something you feel more comfortable with. OR,
THINK OF AN EXCUSE.
· If you can't get out of the situation easily, tell them that you have to be home in five minutes, or that you have to meet someone at your house. Make up an excuse. Then leave. OR,
BE SILLY.
· Use a creative excuse that will make them laugh and change the subject. Tell them your dog needs his toenails clipped or your mom wants you to walk the chicken. The more creative you are, the easier it will be to break the tension and get out of there! OR,
CREATE A STIR.
· Yell, scream, laugh loudly, sing - do whatever you have to do to draw attention to the group. Chances are, they will run away before they are discovered! OR,
SPEAK YOUR MIND.
· Let them know that you have made a decision that is best for you and you will not change your mind.
|
|
EVALUATE YOUR CHOICE.
· How do you feel about it? Was it the right choice? Would you do it again? Talk to someone you trust about your situation. Sometimes it just helps to tell someone what you are feeling!
HAVE YOU EVER FELT EMBARRASSED BY SOMETHING?
· If so, maybe one of these ideas will help you to deal with the situation:
ASSESS THE SITUATION.
· Is it really that bad? What is the worst that can happen? Will this event really change your life?
MAKE A JOKE.
· Pretend that you are enjoying the situation and make a joke out of it. Sometimes laughing at yourself is an easy way to take away the tension.
LET IT PASS.
· Ignore the situation and carry on as if nothing has happened.
TALK IT OUT.
· If something is really bothering you, find someone who you feel you can talk to and tell him or her how you feel.
GO TO THE SOURCE.
· This is a difficult option, but if you feel that you can handle it, try having a polite, meaningful discussion with the person who made you feel embarrassed. Chances are they had no intention of making you feel that way.
EXAMINE YOUR FEELINGS.
· Why are you feeling embarrassed, hurt or angry? What do you intend to do about it so that the situation doesn't repeat itself?
There is no simple recipe that will help you to get yourself out of situations that make you feel angry, hurt or embarrassed. The important point is to understand what you are feeling and why you are feeling it. Then find someone you trust to talk to. Try all the tools until you find one that works for you.
If you are still frustrated and none of these suggestions seem to be working for you, call the Kid's Help Phone at 1 (800) 668-6868. Remember, there is always someone who will listen to you.
 |
|
