Using violence to solve social problems is like using dynamite to open your car door. It'll do the job, but it'll cause a whole heap of other problems.

Violence has nothing to do with communication. It's not part of the negotiations that form the vast bulk of personal interaction. It's the last resort, when communication isn't an option and it's injure or be injured.

Violence is what you use the moment you feel threatened.

If you realize it's possible to talk your way out of a difficult situation, that should probably be your first choice.

Often, an aggressive person will put on a show to dominate without actually resorting to violence. They'll make themselves look bigger, scream obscenities or issue threats.

Sometimes, they're just trying to intimidate in the hope that you'll back down. Sometimes, they're psyching themselves up for violence. You'll have to decide and act if you feel there's a real threat.

Once you decide to act, act immediately.

If you don't believe a problem can be solved with language and diplomacy, say nothing. Don't look them in the eye or engage in conversation. When you enter into a conversation with a threatening person, you enter a gray zone in which it's much harder to disengage and strike the first blow.

Leave if you wish to and if you can.

Violence isn't always the answer. In fact, it's rarely the answer. But when it is the answer... it's the only answer!

Use violence when you have no other choice.

And once you start, you're not done until you finish it on your terms.

All for now,
Tim Larkin
http://www.targetfocustraining.com/

Labels: self protection