We all make deals with ourselves when it comes to the difficult people in our lives.
What did Carolyn Hax mean by:

We all make deals with ourselves when it comes to the difficult people in our lives.

This quote speaks to the psychological compromises we often make when interacting with challenging individuals in our lives. It suggests that we negotiate with our own emotions and behaviors to maintain peace, harmony, or to avoid conflict. These ‘deals’ could be anything from tolerating certain behaviors, ignoring offensive remarks, or suppressing our own feelings and reactions for the sake of maintaining a relationship or avoiding discomfort.

The ‘difficult people’ referred to in the quote could be anyone from family members, friends, colleagues, or even strangers who we find challenging to deal with due to their attitudes, behaviors, or the emotional impact they have on us. The ‘deals’ we make with ourselves could be conscious or subconscious decisions on how to react, respond, or engage with these individuals.

In today’s world, this concept is highly applicable, particularly in the context of social, professional, or familial relationships. With the advent of social media and the digital age, we are exposed to a wider range of perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors which can often be challenging to navigate. This quote encourages us to recognize these ‘deals’ we are making and perhaps reassess whether they are healthy, beneficial, or detrimental to our own emotional well-being.

In terms of personal development, this quote could inspire introspection and self-awareness. It invites us to reflect on the ‘deals’ we make and consider if they serve our best interests or if they are simply a means of avoiding conflict. It could also encourage us to develop better strategies for dealing with difficult individuals, such as setting boundaries, practicing assertiveness, or seeking professional help if necessary. It reminds us that while it’s natural to make these ‘deals’, it’s also important to ensure they don’t compromise our own mental and emotional health.

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