I know.
Getting over hurt feelings is easier said than done.
But what if it isn’t?
What if it’s easier done (a completed action) than talked about indefinitely?
Hurt feelings come, not from a punch to the stomach with resulting measurable injury to tissues and organs. Rather, they come into the body through specific vibrations entering through the ear canals, or through symbols on paper or computer screen as they are observed by the eyes. Words, written or spoken, have the power to inflict pain so it seems.
And if a word can be represented by a bullet, and argument is like a gun fight. Bullets flying everywhere.
Don’t go casually into arguments. See them for the destructive potential they can bring into good and healthy relationships.
Don’t battle to defend nebulous opinions.
Are there things worth fighting for?
Of course.
But there aren’t that many. Make a list of what you think is important to defend and don’t include anything about feelings. Instead in preparation for being sucked into an argument, practice this deescalating phrase until it rolls easily off the tongue.
“Perhaps you are right. Let me give it some thought and I’ll get back with you.”
Do keep you word and get back with them, but first give yourself time to decompress. Think about good, rational, and kind ways to respond.
And if your feelings are hurt? Remember that God loves you. The rest, relatively speaking, is not all that important.