Sandpaper People

Some folks are like sandpaper. Everywhere they go, they rub people the wrong way.

An individual may be highly intelligent, hard working , willing to go the extra mile -- but still fail because of an abraisive personality.

I've often wondered, how do they sabotage themselves? Is it just the way they're wired, or can they do something about it?

Although we are born with certian "grit" which make us more or less people-oriented, I firmly believe that anyone can get along with just about anybody, if they follow a few basic relationship rules:

1. Focus on the Positive. You will find plenty of negative things about people if you look for them. Instead, go mining for the positive -- and you will find that too!

2. Never go fishing with a Crabapple for Bait. You have to be friendly if you want people to be friendly to you. You can't expect to keep many friends if you are always grousing. (Negative folks do keep some friends -- negative ones!)

3. Follow the 101% Principle. Find the 1% you have in common and give 100% to it!

4. Don't impute Motives. It's easy to jump to conclusions and rush to judgement without knowing all the facts. Regardless of what happened, assume the other person had good intentions.

5. Be willing to Forgive. Refuse to allow your frustrations to stockpile into a mountain of bitterness. It's best to keep short accounts. Deal with it and let it go.

6. Believe in Other People. Remember that we are all created in the image of God. Each person you meet is a VIP! Never consider yourself "above" someone else.

7. Follow the Golden Rule. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

8. Be Genuinely Interested in Others. Focus on them rather than yourself. Self-absorbtion is a certain path to unhappiness.

9. Determine that you will be an Encourager and a Positve Influence on each Person you Meet!