Avoiding Boredom While Someone is Crying
Man, this is a really tough one. Listening to someone cry can be soooooo BORING!! How can you possibly stay alert and engaged!?! Today we’ll outline some basic strategies to turn that yawn into brawn!!!
1. Make it Fun For You
Give yourself a task that is both challenging and fun, like seeing how hard you can pet the crier on the head before they object. Start out gently, but gradually increase the tempo until you’re moving their head significantly. If you’re a real pro, see if you can add your other hand in before they move away or attack you.
2. Pretend (May Not Have To – See Above) That They’re Yelling At You
Anger holds your attention way better than crying, so do anything you can to create that illusion. If you have a drill sergeant hat, ask them to wear it. If you have a Sharpie, ask if you can draw angry eyebrows on them. Or just do it without asking. It may enhance the eyebrows if you can also get them to growl.
Remember, if “make believe” angry isn’t cutting it, you can always switch to real. Bait them into a frenzy with leading questions, like “Is it because she thinks you’re ugly?” or “Will it help if I go home and take a nap right now?” or even a one-two combination like “Are you sure your cat is dead? Did you try shaking him?” Careful with that last one, she’s a hot potato!
3. Use Body Language
You can do a lot to shorten the cry time. Loud long sighs will signal the crier to wrap it up. If they’re ignoring you, try adding “I’m done” in a loud whisper at the end of each sigh.
4. Try a “Brain Taser”
If you’re still really fading, try what we call a “Brain Taser”. (Clever!) Think of something so horrifyingly shocking that it actually makes you gasp out loud. Like living with Rachel Ray for a month, or swapping heart valves with John Madden. “Jesus Christ!!!! AHHHHH!!!” That’s the effect you’re looking to create inside your brain, which will trigger you to gasp or swoon.
The crier will notice your distress and ask if you’re alright. You probably won’t be, but it will give you a second to collect yourself and remember what you’re doing. And what are you doing? Only the impossible: listening to someone cry without becoming bored!!!!
Did we miss anything? Have a favorite Brain Taser? Let us know!!
[Photo Credit: kkelly2007]
