Win with actions & avoid the unhappy

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

Law 9

Win through your Actions, Never through Argument

Any momentary triumph you think gained through argument is really a Pyrrhic victory: The resentment and ill will you stir up is stronger and lasts longer than any momentary change of opinion. It is much more powerful to get others to agree with you through your actions, without saying a word. Demonstrate, do not explicate.

"demonstrate, do not explicate" I like that. I think people tune others out when they talk to much, they want to see things done. I know if someone is yelling at me I tune it out, if you have to say something being calm and rational will get further than just yelling at me. At people are sour after an argument so pushing someone to do something won't really do anything for you. Maybe that's why I'm not a huge fan of yelling at children, I don't think it works as well as people may believe.. And hitting children.. I don't think it's right. My mother didn't really yell at me very often and i think i turned out pretty well. I followed her example.

Law 10

Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky

You can die from someone else’s misery – emotional states are as infectious as disease. You may feel you are helping the drowning man but you are only precipitating your own disaster. The unfortunate sometimes draw misfortune on themselves; they will also draw it on you. Associate with the happy and fortunate instead.

Story of my life. I'm always the one trying to save the drowning man. I have to agree. It does drag you down. And what's sad is that you may not even notice it happening. It's just in my personality to help people. I always go above and beyond for my friends and people that ask for my help and 98% of the time i get hurt and they're not grateful anyway. I guess that's why when i have an issue i write in my blog or maybe I'll call my best friend to talk about if it gets really bad.