Comments on: How the Spirit of Dale Carnegie Saved My Life at the Barber Shop

By: Luisa Body

Luisa Body — Mon, 02 May 2011 02:33:04 +0000

Whoa!If I had been the one getting my hair done I would’ve burst out too.I mean I dont understand why he got berserk. And when we dont understand we either get angry or disheartened. Either way is not good for our health. It is a good thing you didnt waste your energy on that situation.

By: gary

gary — Sun, 01 May 2011 05:24:54 +0000

You handled it about as well as you could have. I’ve often wondered why these little situations come up in life as I’ve come up against quite a few.

HOpe the book went well.

By: Stephen Hopson

Stephen Hopson — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 13:03:18 +0000

Brendan (and everyone else on here): P.S. By the way, are you aware that my first-ever book is coming out beginning of 2011? You can keep up to date by signing up for a free newsletter about the book (“Obstacle Illusions”) by going to http://www.sjhopson.com and signing up at the green box. This will not only keep you abreast about the book’s development but also receive tips about dealing with so-called obstacles, a fun “Did you know” section and wealth building ideas, etc.

By: Stephen Hopson

Stephen Hopson — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:59:58 +0000

Brendan: I’m so glad you enjoyed reading this story – thanks for sharing your heartfelt thoughts. You’re right – much of what happened was not directed at me personally – I just happened to be a convenient target that day. Looking back, I’m glad I handled it the way I did because things could have turned out very differently had I done otherwise. It was a strong, powerful lesson in remaining calm in a situation like that. I’ve learned that I feel much more rooted and centered if I don’t react to the other person’s behavior – I just observe (ideally without judgment) and just let the person be. Of course, if the person is abusing you, then you can simply remove yourself from the scene. Otherwise not allowing outside behavior rankle you is a powerful place to be. When you’re in that spot, it’s hard for others to continue the ranting and raving because they no longer have the ammunition to continue. Make sense? Thanks for sharing!

By: Brendan

Brendan — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 20:05:13 +0000

Stephen, people today just seem to be total jerks, however, as personal as it felt to be on the receiving end of that, you’ll probably find that it’s not aimed directly at you at all and you just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Usually a person acting in this way is acting out of rage when past and present issues all meet up at once and cause an explosion.

I truly know how you feel, however and I’m sure that many times you relive the events over and over in your mind wondering if it would have been more effective had you said this or that and being taken off guard by this (and other events that happen) probably wish that you were more spontaneous. In truth, you have to wonder if this type of problematic person is able to be “tamed.” I’m sure that if you were able to see into his more personal life and/or past customers, you would surely find that you’re not the only one and there have been other instances also. I think you acted in a very professional manner under the circumstances and I congratulate you.

By: Stephen Hopson

Stephen Hopson — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 03:23:16 +0000

Mary, I think you’re right – it had to do with that phone call – something must have triggered his anger which was triggered again when I made that innocent comment. Thanks for commenting!

By: Mary

Mary — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:56:46 +0000

I believe it had all to do with that phone call. Maybe it was the surgeon calling to say they had found something “else”. Maybe it was his wife letting him know that something was overlooked while he was recovering and now SHE had to do it, or needed him to take care of it ASAP. It doesn’t sound like he didn’t like you. It seems that the trigger was the phone call, as you reported it to happen.

Great story.

By: Stephen Hopson

Stephen Hopson — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:48:58 +0000

Tessa: I agree with you 100 percent. That’s exactly what I attempted to do and what a challenge that was! Try to stay under control under a potentially dangerous situation. Like you said, a verbal and then possibly physical response would only make things worse. It was a heck of an experience. Thanks for chiming in Tessa!

By: Tessa Beausoleil

Tessa Beausoleil — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:43:03 +0000

In the world we are surrounded by people who have different cultures due to upbringing. This is automatically a remedy for conflict. What one believes is right and proper may not be the case viewed by another person. So the best way to avoid conflict is to try your best to be calm in an attempt to water down the fire. Don’t forget the other person is really trying his/her best to provoke you anyway. So you are already fighting a losing battle. I recently found myself in a similar situation, it costed me a lot more than $12 but the point here is it is very difficult to get an angry person to see reasoning, because he/she vehemently believes he is right and you should see things his/her way. It’s like trying to reason with a mad man with a cutlass in hand. Your best bet is to walk away, save your ego for a fight you know you can win. Of course if you think legally you stand a better chance then go for it. But even that can be a lengthy, drawn out procedure.

By: Stephen Hopson

Stephen Hopson — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:30:49 +0000

Thanks Farrah – I was practically speechless myself!