Becoming Bulletproof: Protect Yourself, Read People, Influence Situations, and Live Fearlessly

by Evy Poumpouras

If you’re not sure which relationships in your life should qualify as a hot zone, then ask yourself: When I present my ideas or opinions, are they met with criticism or acceptance? When I express my feelings, are they quickly dismissed or deeply considered? Am I routinely the butt of the joke or am I in on the punch line? Am I usually the last to know something or the first to be informed? In my absence, do I go unnoticed or am I missed? When I am there, do I feel like an intruder or part of the group? When I leave an interaction with someone, do I feel worse or better about myself? If you find yourself answering “Yes” to any of the negative phrases in these sentences, you should begin to think about your exit strategy.