Contrary People

Most of us have faced the problem of how to deal with persons who are always anxious to argue, or challenge, or contend that virtually everything you do or say is wrong and they are always right. It may be a member of your family or a friend or even just an acquaintance as is the case here at Chambrel.

One man I encountered recently talked continually at our 'mix and mingle' time.  It didn't make for pleasant conversation, and some people left the group not feeling welcomed.  This defeats the purpose of a social hour.

I have been told to try to find out if possible, just why the person has such an attitude.  Maybe the person has a subtler inferiority complex, or possibly jealousy may be the motive.

I read recently that a complete reversal in the person's philosophy or practices can not be achieved overnight.  It takes diplomacy and tact to change a person's practices.  One way is to try to find something about that person which you really like, a characteristic that is praise-worthy.  When you discover a person's good point, give that person a bit of warm praise.

I read these lines recently:
I want to love you without clutching...
Appreciate you without judging...
Join you without invading...
Invite you without demanding...
Criticize you without blaming...
Help you without insulting...
If I can have the same from you, then we can meet and enrich each other.

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceable with all.  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written: vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord."   Romans 12:18,19