Why is it that the same people seem to frustrate you over and over again? They keep you waiting, fail to keep their promises and commitments, and generally fail you time and again. If it is your young child, it’s understandable that they may not know better, and gentle reinforcement may be necessary to help them learn.
What about the adults in your life? With people we are close to, we should discuss issues with them in a non-confrontational or accusatory manner. There is no need for blame or accusation. It does not help. They may become defensive, think you are unreasonable and opinionated, and lose insight into their behavior.
There will be instances when you discuss the matter with an individual, and even if they acknowledge it, the behavior persists. At this point, you need to decide: do you invest in this relationship further, or do you walk away?
If you choose to invest, reconcile that this frustration you will need to accept. It is likely not personal, or even if it is, it is not likely to change. They will be late, make excuses and continue to miss obligations. Walking away is also an option and relieves you of the problem altogether.
Decide whether the frustration is genuinely an issue or if it is your expectations that may be unreasonable or rigid, and whether the benefits of the relationship outweigh the negatives of the experience.
Ultimately, you cannot change them, yet you can change the dynamic so that it works for you, too.
