It is easy to take offence, there is no skill in that and anyone can do it. On the other hand, it takes a great deal of maturity to be offended with the right person and at the right time.

It is even trickier to ACT in the right way when you are offended by something. Turning a sense of hurt, disgust or outrage into useful and directed energy requires practice and intent.

There’s a further dividend in recognizing that getting upset provides insight; it can be used as a chance to learn something about oneself. It’s an investment that pays off with better relationships and more fulfilling results.

The next time you are tempted to get upset about someone else’s words or behaviour, rather than flying off the handle or retreating into brooding withdrawal, set yourself a different goal:

Take it seriously, but not personally.