Call me naïve, but my assumption when having a conversation with adults is that everyone will act like adults. Yes, I assume other people will respond logically and rationally. Unfortunately, I’m usually wrong about once a week.
Throwing a Fit
I call it “the big baby,” because the reaction becomes one of a large child who is threatening to grab all the crayons and storm home. Sometimes, you can see the big baby start to enter the room, if there are indications of rising agitation. Warning signs may include:
- Fidgeting
- Interrupting
- Obnoxious remarks
- Increasing volume
- Angry tone
In virtual conversations, it’s much more difficult to see the signs before the fit really gets going, but you may have a few seconds to see ‘em coming before things blow up.
Surviving the Tantrum
Someone may know the best way to overcome an episode brought forth by the big baby – unfortunately, I am not that wise. Some might suggest an extra helping of patience. Others might offer abundant apologies, as if that were the best way to placate the baby. Personally, I prefer a good dose of avoidance. I try to wrap up the conversation as quickly as possible and/or change the subject to something else. My thinking tends to be – if I don’t acknowledge the baby in the room, then maybe it will go home, get a good night’s sleep, and return the next day as a grown-up again.