No, I tend to get hysterical and scream. Today DH set an English Muffin on fire while trying to toast it. You should have heard me! Last summer (2008) I had a small grease fire on my gas stove. I dialed 911 so fast. DH poured a pot of water on it and put it out. When the firetruck arrived, I explained it was all over. They were nice and just left. I was lucky they didn't send a bill for a false alarm. Not good in diffucult situations. Though I am very patient.

Yes, I usually do. Sometimes though, afterward, I freak.
I keep it together enough to do what I need to do and then after that??? LOL

I am never out of control and adjust to anything in 2 or 3 days unless I am living with the problem. LOL

Yes.

Yes, I cope well with situations like disappointments, emergencies, illnesses, losses, etc. I think it comes from being part of a big family where such things happened often and I had a good example in my mother.

Like Des Arc, I cope well during the actual event... but afterwards (sometimes up to several days after) I am a mess. I do have adrenal issues though and I know that is the bulk of it.

Of course it depends on the situation, but I don't dwell on things for a long time. I try to look to a better day.

Sue

I think I cope well in difficult situations, although I do have a need to vent, discuss & digest the situation, which helps my coping mechanisms.

I can think of one particular family difficulty that took longer to cope with, but then again it was pretty traumatic.

I'm pretty good in an emergency. Like beeohio I need to rehash it later and recoup.

I handle difficult situations much better than I handle emergencies--especially medical emergencies.

At the time of the issue, I am cool as a cucumber. After it is all over, I tend to fall apart.
Thank the good lord for Xanax.

Trin

I act like there is nothing wrong to people around and deal with whatever. People tell me I am so calm...Ha, Ha, if they ONLY knew..I am like a duck- Smooth on top and paddling like heck underneath.

Yes, I do. Until well intentioned people get involved with all their chatter and suggestions/directions. Then, being already stressed, I'm apt to lose it. I cope better being able to focus and stay calm.

I do well at the moment, but I fret over things horribly. I had to go to a therapist just recently for 2 situations that have been making me sick:( I only had to go twice and I was able to put them aside~~~~kinda:) But at least enough to function.

Well now, it all depends ...

if you're talking about a situation where an INSTANTANEOUS decision needs to be made, I'm pretty pathetic. I used to be very decisive and deal with the consequences later, but time has erased that tendancy.

if you're talking about a situation that will be difficult to get through, but there is time to think about and plan what needs to be done and then deal with it ... I'm excellent.

Yes - I've had a lot of experience doing it - starting at a very young age.

Yes.
I do.
I hold it together until the crisis has past then I get
weak in the knees and teary eyed.

I'm also a take charge kind of person in an emergency.
With me it's 'lead follow or get out of my way.....'

Lori

Yes, I do. Had lots of practice as a kid.

I think I do tend to handle them well. One thing that always comes to mind when I find myself in a situation is "This too shall pass." And guess what? It does !! I don't tend to wast a lot of energy worrying about things much any more. I stopped to ask my DH how he felt I handled difficult situations and he says I have outgrown that phase of my life and my coping skills have been honed to a razor sharpness.
That was nice to hear from him.

Helen

Yes, I think I do cope very well in difficult situations. Not much fazes me. I'm calm and level headed in medical emergencies, don't freek out when emotions are running high. What is that stanza in the poem? "If you can keep your head while those around you are loosing theirs'...your a better man than I am". As others have stated I too have had much practice starting in childhood. NancyLouise