Sunday, December 7, 2008

People Dander

"The psychologist Michael Cunningham maintains that we can even grow allergic to some people, much in the way that we can be allergic to ragweed, cat dander, or peanuts. Although people's obnoxious behaviors are often minor, if they are repeated frequently enough, we may become allergic to these annoying or insensitive habits... By choosing friends carefully, surrounding yourself with happy people, and communicating well with others, you can avoid unnecessary conflict." - Ed Diener

We know what annoys us. I gravitate toward people who are open-minded without pushing their views on others, who see a better future, who bring smiling energy to the day, who communicate responsively, gratefully, respectfully toward others, and inclusively. We scout our food to avoid allergic reactions. Why not scout our relationships?

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