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

by Debbie Joffe Ellis

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

It’s our responsibility to make our needs clear to our loved ones, just as it is their responsibility to do the same with us.

Resist the temptation to get angry and, instead, approach any confrontation or dilemma with patience and understanding above all else.

Don’t forget: the porcupine’s defensiveness is an emotional reaction; defuse the emotions and you’ll defuse the reaction.

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.