During the course of your life, people will try their best to induce you to react -- to respond out of immediate emotion or reflex, without reflection. They will put you in positions of making lose-lose decisions...they will foist responsibility for their feelings and hardships upon you.
Here's a solution (actually a process) to avoid being torn like a bedsheet between two lions: 1) postpone your answer; 2) think about what response works best for you; 3) announce your decision; 4) don't look back or reflect upon what you have done...emotionally-based second-guessing invariably perpetuates and adds force to your feelings of conflict. Your cranial vault and conscience are delicate and precious - never grant anybody unauthorized access. Think, decide and act for yourself.
- Douglas E Castle
