How to Hug a Porcupine: Easy Ways to Love the Difficult People in Your Life (Little Book. Big Idea.)

by Debbie Joffe Ellis

Keep Your Quills In

Thinking of a porcupine’s needs ahead of time is half the battle. Nothing disarms a porcupine faster than showing her that you care!

But this feels like a recipe for codependence

Interruptions are power-plays. They’re ways of suggesting that what you have to say is more important than what someone else has to say. This can be particularly dangerous when it comes to dealing with a porcupine—not to mention inconsiderate. Let your porcupine speak. Be polite and hold your tongue until it is your turn to share.

Except that some people don't leave room for others to share

“I always prefer to believe the best of everybody, it saves so much trouble.” — RUDYARD KIPLING

Use this in class.

“Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favorable light at all times and under all circumstances.” — SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL