Stop! But please continue.

We’ve all had those moments where we just want to scream STOP! But for some reason, we don’t. Instead, we let it continue. Maybe it’s because of social norms, maybe because we’re avoiding a confrontation that could escalate into something as catastrophic as World War III, or maybe because we think it’s just not our place, even though it’s chipping away at our inner peace. Yet, we stay silent. Let’s dive into a few everyday situations where you’ve likely felt that overwhelming urge to shout, but couldn’t and see if these frustrations sound familiar.

1. The immortal Presentation

You’re in the conference room, watching someone give a presentation to impress the boss. They’re practically performing a standup comedy with no jokes. Your role in this scenario? As relevant as a bag of peanuts in an economy-class flight. But you sit there, praying for it to end because your stomach is screaming for lunch. And just when the final slide is about to flash, a guy from behind in his $100 suit raises his hand and asks “Can we go back to Slide 24?” Of course, your brain is begging you to scream, "Seriously?!" ?But, what would you do? ?You sit there silent.

2. The Classroom

The same thing happens in a classroom. Except this time, it’s your teacher. Your teacher is explaining the concepts only he can understand, while you sit there, doing mental gymnastics to keep your eyes open. The clock hits 12:55. Freedom is five minutes away (do u you know how long that 5 minutes feels like check out my other article How long is five minutes?). Anyways, at the last 5 minutes while your teacher is trying to make you PhD worthy. One student raises his hand and says “Can you explain it one more time I didn’t understand”. In your mind, you’re flipping tables. In reality? You sit there. Silent. Yet again.

3. The Traffic Jam

Ah, traffic—the cruel joke of modern world. There you are, yet again, trapped in a sea of cars, every honk chipping away at your sanity. You’ve already been cut off, nearly hit a pedestrian, and now you’re stuck. As if that’s not enough, your spouse is arguing with you about something you don’t even remember, your children are losing their mind in the backseat and the radio is playing the worst hook song ever.

If the windows weren’t rolled up, the world would’ve seen your soul leave your body. But still, you sit there, silent.

4. Crush Catastrophe

Let’s go back to your single days. You’re sitting in a café, face-to-face with your crush. Blood is rushing to your cheeks abandoning your heart, brain, and other internal organs. Just as you muster all your strength and about to ask for date with your googled, well-rehearsed and ever best pick up line, who walks in? Your arch-nemesis, dressed like they have just been stripped off from a magazine cover and sit between u and your crush and starts to flaunt. To make it even worse your crush asks you “Hey its late, do you mind if I leave with your friend?”

In your mind you are screaming, are you %^#@# kidding me?! Filled with all the curse words you have ever heard in your life. But, still you sit there wiping tears off your heart and say, “Sure, no problem.”

5. Glorious annoyance

Have you had a friend or an acquaintance—the one who never stops boasting? Whatever the topic, they have to one-up you. Mention a small achievement? They’ve won ten awards. You’re talking about your vacation, and they’ve been to five more exotic places. You’re talking about your medication, Surprise! They have had five surgeries—but look at how amazing they still are!

All you want to do is shove a pie up their face and scream, “For the love of God, SHUT UP!” But instead, you smile. Maybe even laugh, as they buzz on.

‘Civility isn’t a weakness’

Just to wrap up, life is full of these tiny moments. They appear when you least expect them—maybe it’s that unbearable colleague, the impossible traffic, or the person who stole your crush. Every day is a series of tests, pushing your patience and resilience to their limits. But here’s the surprise: every time you hold back, every time you manage not to lose control, you’re the one in charge of your emotions, not the other way around.

So next time you're stuck in a similar moment, remember: if you manage without an outburst, it’s not a sign of weakness—you're simply being courteous. And every time you survive a situation without losing your mind, you've just climbed another step on the ladder of maturity. So, commend yourself and let the theatrics of life continue.