A provocation is an intentional act committed against a specific person, with the goal of either inducing him to retaliate or to obtain the necessary information from him. A person can encounter this action literally at every step. For example, talking with a grumpy neighbor, with scandalous relatives, with a boor in a crowded transport, with a picky boss who is looking for a reason for his dismissal. Therefore, it is very important to be able to respond correctly to provocations.
Instruction manual
1
The main rule: remember that the provocateur wants to anger you, make you lose your temper, raise your voice, push you to scandal. Do not give him such an opportunity.
2
For example, a neighbor accuses you of littering the porch or smoking under his door. You are already fed up with this lie, you want to rudely yell at him or even hit him. But think: as a result, he will look like an innocent sufferer, and you are an unrestrained rude person. Keep calm, even if everything is boiling inside, and your hands are itching to teach a liar a lesson. An icy scornful look is your best response to provocation. You can look him up and down with a condescending grin - this is a very effective psychological technique.
3
Or, for example, the boss again unjustly found fault. You can, of course, snap back, express everything that you think about him, because the nerves are not iron. But by doing so you will actually play into his hands. Calmly and reasonably respond to his claims. Even better - with facts and figures: "Are you dissatisfied with my work? But I have such and such achievements." Do not give him a reason to fire you.
4
Someone in the bus or in the subway car came to you with some stupid claims, and in an unacceptably rude form. Turn away, ignoring him with all your appearance. If you don’t get comfortable, advise with malicious politeness: “It seems that public transport is not good for you. If you would rather go by taxi, it’s better for your health.” Your task: to answer his rude remarks impeccably polite, but so that the boor "sat in a puddle", becoming a common laughing stock.
5
And if you, when you came for an interview, start asking clearly provocative questions, know: this is done intentionally to test your resilience in a stressful situation and resourcefulness. Keep calm, answer as before with restraint and polite. Even if the urge to literally bursts forth is maliciously clarifying: "Have I told you so incomprehensibly about myself?" Before answering, you can mentally order yourself “Do not succumb to provocations” or count, for example, up to five - this calms the nerves well.
