How to Negotiate a Moment of Discomfort
With Another Person
If your discomfort is fear
Say “I am afraid”
If anger
Say “I am angry”
Take responsibility for your feeling
Claim it as your own
Nobody put it there
Nobody can take it away
It is yours to contend with
Like pouring thick sauce on bad fish
It still stinks
Everyone can smell it
Instead
With your finger and thumb
Pinch yourself very hard
See how easily you are hurt
All of life is tender and vulnerable
There is no escape from this condition