The thunderstorm doesn’t know we exist. Rain dances and wishes are ineffective at bringing or preventing a storm, because it isn’t caused by our actions.

Metaphorical weather is tempting to mistake as a response. When someone cuts us off in traffic or doesn’t engage with us the way we might hope for, it’s easy to take it personally.

But the weather would be there with or without you.

There are two useful questions:

The first is whether we’re signing up to be in weather conditions that aren’t safe or helpful.

And second, when the tables are turned, is to ask ourselves, “Am I being someone else’s weather right now?” Because that’s something we do have control over.