Column: Showing grace and understanding isn’t always easy

Have you ever been at a family carne asada when someone — one of the tios, primas or even a welito — declares that he or she has had enough of everyone and just leaves? Ever witnessed a coworker suddenly throw off his apron or hand in her employee badge and wave goodbye? It’s not often that a compadre or a neighbor says “Ya estubo,” and walks out on the baby shower, the kids’ piñata or the housewarming party, but it happens. Sometimes laundry baskets are kicked, pencils are snapped in two or Monopoly boards are sent flying. People have their limits and, by the time you’re in you’re 20s, you’ve probably seen a few people reach theirs.

When it happens, it is usually not a big surprise. What is also not surprising is that those watching often don’t know exactly what to do. Is it okay to giggle nervously or shake one’s head disapprovingly? What about launching a counter-attack, calling out the tantrum? Should someone try to intervene and call for cooler heads? Is it in poor taste to start picking sides once the Angry One has left the building, or is it better to ignore the situation, so as not to make what La Jefita would call una tempestad en un vaso de agua.

And while it should go without saying that preserving the moment on social media is a bit cruel, some would argue that everything is funnier on YouTube.

It is probably a good idea to show restraint in these situations. It’s important to be understanding of a public meltdown. Everyone has a different boiling point and a different breaking point. Losing your cool is only human.

It’s also human, however, to offer grace. Hitting the roof is painful, especially if the berrinche is dramatic enough to cause a family rift or a career change. But patience and kindness can ease the hurt; forgiveness and understanding can be the best thing one can offer.

And not reacting with a laughing emoji? That isn’t hard at all.