This post is not as nursing related as I would like it to be, as I am only a student, but it does relate to stress management. The management of my stress specifically.
I am reading about some of the ways that the other members manage stress, and I thought I would share mine. I find that often times just typing out my stressful situation offers some relief. Usually I don't share it with anyone but my wife, but this particular story would break her heart. So, I am sharing it on here, and maybe my method will prove helpful to others.
It is a little long, but here we go.
It takes a lot to make me angry, and I take great pride in my ability to remain calm and collected through almost every situation. This is a skill that I know will prove to be a valuable asset in my future career as a nurse, but unfortunately, I do have my limits.
After a long day at work followed by some study time at the library, I met up with my wife and daughter at the pool for my daughters first mom and tot swimming lesson. Both of them were excited to swim and I took a seat with the other parents and grandparents to watch. My daughter was so excited about her new swimsuit, she couldn't stop smiling and it was great to watch them both enjoying the pool. Sadly, my enjoyment only lasted a few brief minutes.
My mood drastically changed just minutes into the lesson when the two elderly women sitting behind me started talking. Talking loudly. Talking loudly with the obvious intent to draw the attention of everyone around. They felt that their opinions were just so important that they needed to be broadcast to the world. And the world was forced to awkwardly listen.
Now I am sure that these two ladies have some class tucked away somewhere, but from where I was sitting that class was well hidden.
These women were terrible. I was shocked at the incredibly vulgar things to say about every aspect of my wife, and I have worked in construction. From her smile to her weight, they covered it all. Loudly pointing out her hideous hairstyle (which she just had done yesterday, and looks GREAT by the way), her feet, the colour of her swim suit, and of course, her "disgusting" tattoo. In addition, her lip ring makes her look like a "drooly and droopy lipped slob" and she is a "pathetic excuse for a mother".
As I said before, it takes a lot to make me angry and by this point I was shaking in it.
After twenty three minutes of these classless gas-bags talking about my wife, I stood up and looked down at them.
I wanted to point out the fact that together, their wrinkled shrunken heads resembled a blue pubed nut-sac, but I didn't. I wanted to hurt them as much as it would hurt my wife to hear the things they were saying. I wanted to be as terrible as they were. But I couldn't. No one deserves that. Not even them.
Instead, I looked down at the pair and calmly asked "are you two ladies almost done talking about my wife?".
Silence.
I swear, it was just like the movies when the crowd turned to look at them with disgust.
I took a deep breath, sat down, and waved at my smiling family who will never ever hear of this.
It takes a lot to make me angry, and I take great pride in my ability to remain calm and collected through almost every situation. Although there were no "winners" in this particular situation, I didn't lose..... my cool at least. And that means something. At least it does to me.
WOW!!! I am absolutely AMAZED by your ability to control yourself while still putting the old ladies in their place... by not putting them in their place! You, sir, deserve a round of applause... a standing ovation!
Specializes in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery.
I am boiling with anger after reading this. SHAME on those women. You handled yourself remarkably. What a sweet husband you sound like. I hope you're able to shake off the bad feelings and move forward with the joy that you deserve.
ETA: They are NOT ladies. You were too nice if you called them that.
You sir are an awesome husband and dad! You showed amazing restraint. You should be very proud of yourself. Though my mean, snarky internet side sort of wanted to hear about the looks on their faces if you had said "I wanted to point out the fact that together, their wrinkled shrunken heads resembled a blue pubed nut-sac, but I didn't." That is a funny description!
I seriously feel most people in the medical field have an affinity for "patient advocacy" and educating those around them and protecting those under our care. KUDOS on such a nice job of it!
It always amazes me that other people think their opinion is important to everyone. You handled it way better than I would have, had someone been talking about my loved one like that. Doing what you did shows true class which neither one of those old women had.
brandiep1982
236 Posts
WOW!!! I am absolutely AMAZED by your ability to control yourself while still putting the old ladies in their place... by not putting them in their place! You, sir, deserve a round of applause... a standing ovation!