If reactivity is something you struggle with, you, my friend, are in the right place. I, too, am a highly reactive person, and while it something I have been working at to improve and alleviate, progress takes time, and there is always room for improvement in my own case.
I don’t know the reason I tend to react quickly to certain situations, but I should probably clarify that being a highly reactive person has both pros and cons, much like anything in this world. On the one hand, being reactive is altruistic in the sense you arguably think quickly on your feet, can make decisions in a gnarly moment, and you don’t rely on someone else to make choices for you. On the other hand, however, being reactive in an emotional sense can get you into some trouble, depending on what you react at, and furthermore, who.
My sister is the polar opposite of me when it comes to reactivity – you could try your damn best to get a reaction out of her, and most of the time, she will not grant you it. She has given me some sound advice over the years, and one tidbit stands out more than others – she advised me, whenever I’m feeling the urge to react immediately to something, to instead take a few minutes and reflect on the situation in my own mind. This short pause allows me to sift through all of my thoughts, and, as opposed to blurting out the first thing that popped into my head, I am able to select a more calm, appropriate reaction. I’ve coined this strategy ‘retreat, then react,’ and I think anyone who struggles with being highly reactive will understand and additionally appreciate what I’m getting at here.
Reactivity, within reason, is fine. It’s a matter of determining the best way to respond.
Photo by Ryan Franco on Unsplash
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