Successful people have learnt how to be both patient and tolerant of others. One way to grow your patience is to view bad experiences, such as conflict with others, as a learning curve. For example, if there is a person that you just cannot get along with, you can use encounters with that person as an opportunity to develop your own patience and tolerance.

Normally your friends, family and associates are careful to treat you well so that no conflict erupts. In fact, most people you interact with will be friendly and not cause any problems for you. When you do come across a person who treats you badly, it is a rare occurrence and can be used as an opportunity to practise patience, tolerance and a host of other conflict resolution skills.

While you do not have to ever like the person, you can actually be happy and grateful to have come across someone who has strengthened your skills in such important areas.
For two years I lived with a partner who frequently became angry, and often directed his anger at me. At first, I was so sensitive that I would burst into tears within minutes of his outburst, and it made us unable to communicate. These days if I am treated in the same way, I let it run off me like water on a duck’s back – I no longer take harsh comments personally. Those two years have greatly influenced the ways I listen, communicate and react to others and so I feel grateful.

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