I Can't Stand You

Have you ever had someone say to you, "I can't stand you?"  Or maybe you have made this statement yourself.  Why would people say this to another human being who is created in the image of God?  I believe people will say "I can't stand you" because they are not getting what they want, they do not like the person or a frustrated with a person or a particular situation.

It has been said, "It is not what happened to you that matters, but how you respond to what has happened to you."  You may disagree with a person or situation, but you do not want an "I can't stand you" mentality towards that person or the situation.  This can make you become angry, bitter and frustrated.

When you have the "I can't stand you" mentality your ability to be objective in making right decisions is affected.  Any decisions made out of frustration, anger and bitterness always turn out horrible.

The "I can't stand you" mentality will prevent you from being fully-expressed.  Each time you see the person or the situation you can't stand, it will affect your full self-expression.  I have seen people make ugly faces towards their spouse, co-worker or their boss because they can't stand them.

A person with this "I can't stand you" mentality cannot be part of or work in a team.  Remember, your team is as strong as its weakest link.  These people are always pointing fingers directly or indirectly to the person or situation they can't stand.  Although, they may believe they are acting with good intentions, their attitude causes them to become part of the problem instead of being the solution.

Each time you say "I can't stand you or a particular situation" you are giving the control of your life to that person or situation.  That is not a wise thing to do!  You are literally giving the person or situation your energy.  What you give your energy to will either grow positively or negatively.   If you sow negativity you reap negativity.

Having the "I can't stand you" mentality distracts you from your goals, dreams and aspirations in life.  It will cause you to constantly see the negative in the person rather than the positive.  When you say you can't stand a person or situation, you are indirectly saying there is no hope for that person or situation to change.

Instead of saying, "you can't stand the person or situation", I want to encourage you to take a stand for them instead!  Be a champion of change in your family, work and in your community.  Be the bigger person that always takes the high road in your relationships.  If you do not stand for something, you will fall for anything.  Don't say, "I can't stand..."  Stand with courage, faith and great expectation for every area of your life.

Gbenga Asedeko is a Motivational Author and Speaker and also the General Manager of El Paso Pulmonary Associates in El Paso, TX.   Email him at gasedeko@elpasopulmonary.com