# Escaping situational grumpery Ever been in a situation where self inflicted anger mixed with your pride and inability to let it go ruins an otherwise pleasant evening? It happens to us all. As a kid, I remember one time going to dinner angry at my parents and foregoing ordering anything out of protest. What I was protesting? I don't remember, probably something inconsequential. The waiter echoed what Dad had told me and what I already knew. Going hungry wouldn't do anything about what I was angry about, it would only leave me angry AND hungry. I find myself, in adulthood, going down this same path at times. Definitely an ego and pride thing. The superpower is to be able to let it go quickly and get back to normal. I'm still working on it, but I find that figuring out what's going on is a great way to snap out of the funk. Identifying self grumpiness provides an emotional pause which is great for inserting choice. To be angry or let it go? Most often letting it go, at least in the heat of the moment, is the answer. You can always return to that place if, after time and consideration, you determine it to be appropriate. Sometimes you should be angry. If a stranger spits in your face or is mean to your child, absolutely do not let that go. Stand up for yourself and your loved ones. But if it's an argument with your partner about something trivial like wearing a collared shirt at a restaurant or not, don't sweat it. It's not worth ruining your evening and taking away from the cruelly short amount of time we have to be with the ones we love. I lost my Dad when I was 26 and he was 60. I don't ever recall being glad about getting angry with him. I only recall the precious moments together. The times he picked my friends and I up late at night. Vacations to go white water rafting and hiking. Long talks getting to know one another, as both children and adults. If I could go back, I would try to treasure that time more. Tell him I loved him and was grateful for him more. Do more things with together. Listen more. Think about your favorite people. If you knew they were going to have a heart attack tomorrow, what would you do differently? Please, for your own sake, say the things you need to say. Spend the time with them you need to spend. Love on them. Ask them more about themselves. Get to know them at their core. Life can be fucking crazy, and you never know when your last goodbye is truly your last goodbye.