On the hottest day recorded in Seattle’s history, 103°F, I took my daughter to her first ever movie—mostly to escape the heat, but partly because I just thought it would be fun! As we 
began watching the animated movie, Up, I was eerily reminded of my own situation at home. Since seeing that film, I have wished that I, too, could blow up a billion balloons and sail our home away to peace and quiet.
We are on the tale in end of living through a two year monster construction project right next door. I can literally reach out of my window and touch the mega structure that is now our new neighbor. It towers over our tri-level townhouse a mere four stories and, amongst other vistas, we have lost our view of majestic Mount Rainier.
Right after the project broke ground I became pregnant. When my daughter was born they were in the process of framing the story parallel to her bedroom. Needless to say napping w as close to impossible for the poor little girl. All day we were serenaded by hammering interspersed with power saws and drills—all about ten feet from the crib!
Of course there have been other nuisances, besides the noise, but they are too numerous to list. The most notable have been the complementary overspray my car received while the building was being painted and the three inch wide crack that now runs down the corner of our basement wall.
Fortunately, some good has come of living through the construction process (and coming out alive). I have had ample opportunities to exercise my conflict management skills. The construction workers have been nothing but gracious and have done their best to be respectful of our wishes, although there was only so much they could do. If you ever have the opportunity to experience an ongoing conflict, as I have, I hope you apply the following advice to keep your cool:
Don’t Get Emotional—You will not be doing yourself any favors by letting things get to you. Remember that for them it is only business. This is an area that I could have used a little more help with. As my husband tried to remind me, “Don’t let them rent space in your head for free.”
Take a Break—If you are about to blow your top because the pressure is just too much, take a break. Walking away to clear your head can help you refocus to the issue at hand. It will also give you a chance to formulate a more constructive approach to the problem.
Fight for Your Rights—Don’t let the big guys walk all over you simply because you do not know where to begin. There are systems in place, or there should be, to protect the little people. You may have to cut through your weight in red tape before you reach a resolution, but it may be worth it if the conflict is continual.
Hi, it is very helpful and it is short and consistent – the right way to boost a reaction. Thanks for sharing!