Key points

Pause before you react to a provocative situation. Feelings aren't always facts.

Instead of relying on assumptions, look for evidence of a real slight.

Try to reframe others’ actions through a neutral lens.

Remember: Other people are thinking about you a lot less than you think they are.

Imagine these scenarios:

A friend doesn’t respond to your message for two days, and you assume they’re annoyed with you.

In a team meeting, your colleague interrupts you before you finish your point. You interpret it as disrespect.

You tell your partner a story at dinner, and they check their phone halfway through. You feel dismissed.

As you’re walking around the block, you wave to a neighbor who doesn’t wave back. You feel annoyed, and you think of a party they held without inviting yo

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