While we have passed the holiday season and stress levels should be back down, that doesn’t necessarily mean we don’t get stressed out by people at times. One may think it is better to air out your problems with a person and talk things out, but often times it is better to just keep your thoughts to yourself and bite your tongue. More often than not bringing things up may just explode into something even greater.
No matter who it is, you have to remember to be respectful. If you aren’t going to say something nice, don’t say anything at all. Whether it is a parent, friend, or just a random person, if they are getting on your nerves bite your tongue and, if needed, excuse yourself to allow yourself to calm down. In most cases it is not worth the added stress and emotions of bringing up an irritating behavior, as topics like this can typically be touchy. And you never know what that person is going through. Expressing your opinion may push a person over the edge if they’re having a bad day and cause some sort of an emotional breakdown. Not worth it if it is a small issue. If it really bothers you, you can always come home and vent to your mom about it, as I often do.
However, if it is a major topic, something big that makes you uncomfortable, it may be better to bring the topic up, but not necessarily with that person. If someone is making you uncomfortable or is being rude, insulting, or abusive, it is better to remove yourself from the situation and bring the issue to someone, a teacher, parent, or trusted relative. They can advise you on whether to report the issue or help you sit down with the person and discuss the issue. Don’t try to handle the situation on your own, though. Someone older, wiser, and/or with more experience than you will guide you in how to handle the situation.
If the issue is not something major like that, though, it is far better to just let it go. Don’t sweat the small stuff, simply bite your tongue and ignore the person or the issue. The thing that typically bothers me is an odd one, chewing loudly. Whenever I am out with friends and someone is chewing loudly (tongue smacking while eating is probably the worst), I try to ignore it. If I can’t tune it out, I try to remove myself from the situation. I don’t sit next to the person, or I talk to someone else while we are out. I never say anything because it is something the person cannot help, and they probably don’t even realize they are doing it. And if they do, who knows? Maybe it’s a big insecurity for them. More often that not, I find it best to simply bite my tongue.