Oppositional

Have you ever met someone who will argue over the color of your new shirt? How about someone who will debate how many minutes late you were? Oppositional people will argue anything, for any reason. The only way to stop them is to agree, a method called “dropping the rope.” It is hard to have a tug of war if only one person is holding the rope.

Oppositional behavior is not limited to humans. The dragons in my world can also be oppositional. Much like humans, the dragons engage in this behavior occasionally, when they are feeling particularly difficult. The one dragon that is known for his past oppositional ways is Thane. A dark green dragon, Thane is a well known challenge fighter, and while a good friend to Grabon, Rok, Griss and Brom, he has a few different skills. Since living in Grabon and Heron’s territory, Thane has not felt oppositional. When Grabon asks him directly why that might be, he confesses that he feels valued for his contributions to the clan, to the market, and even the territory, and his efforts are appreciated.

If you know someone who is oppositional out of habit or because they are under appreciated, ask for their help. Appreciate and notice their contributions, and for goodness sakes do not participate in an argument. Just shrug and agree, “Oh, I see what you are saying.”

Happy reading and leave an author a review.