How do you show strength?

[DishLady]

Apparently I have a "tough gal" rep, though I don't necessarily see it (or spend much time looking for it). Someone told me yesterday that he loves the fact that I can smile even when someone is slinging shit everywhere. I laughed, but actually that's my go to move. Smiling is a show of strength and yelling is a sign of weakness in my book. Why? Because smiling automatically defuses the tension and throws the other person off, whereas yelling will make both you and the other person put their shields up and dig their heels in even more.

As my wise old granddad would say, "Don't start fights, but if you're IN a fight, make sure you're the one to end it." I choose to end it with a smile (perhaps coupled with some strategic blocking nowadays, lol).

How do you show strength?

[ryanrhino]

I think I show strength by not giving up and trying to keep cool. Sure, I get frustrated, but I don't stop trying to resolve a problem at the first sign of trouble. The current US political and social climate is a daily test.

Who you truly are is defined in your moments of struggle.

I strive (in public) to show sprezzatura like Antonio Banderas' character in The Mask of Zorro did to his enemy, but my passion often gets the better of me. I definitely don't jump to yelling, but get there upon escalation... hopefully a longer path as I get more experience (though I certainly don't seek it).

[Grond21]

I love that. And your smile also gives permission to to stand up to those who are afraid.

I show fear by trying to maintain calm internally and in my way of expressing myself when others get tense. I try to not be a reflection of stress when others are feeling it. I try to not back up when I'm being pushed to. And I try not to let my pride blind me to what's true and good.

[7Phoenix7]

I think i show strength by getting back up and moving forward each time im knocked down.

[OlderAndWiser]

My go to move is to demonstrate quiet resolve and stoicism.

[HawkPerception]

I'm weak in a lot of ways in life. I'm pessimistic and complain about my situation more than I should. I'm not able to demonstrate a quiet resolve and stoicism like @OlderAndWiser. (Who knows? Maybe that'll come with age. Maybe it won't.)

The only way I think I show strength is in the fact that I always prioritize others' well-being, regardless of my own situation.

[worldscolide]

I show strength by standing next to those in my care no matter the cost or cause.

[exitseven]

I try to be the last man standing.

[DishLady]

A solid round house, then?

[exitseven]

I take a liking and keep on ticking

[DishLady]

Good man.