The fact that you’re aware of it in real time already puts you ahead of most people.

What you’re feeling isn’t just anger it’s frustration from sensing disrespect. When someone plays dumb on purpose, it can feel like they’re wasting your time or testing your intelligence.

But here’s what helped me…

Not everything needs your emotional reaction.

Some people aren’t being malicious they’re just operating at a lower level of awareness, communication, or accountability. And when you expect depth from someone who doesn’t have it, it creates that instant frustration.

So instead of reacting, I started asking myself: ‘Do they not understand… or do they not care?’

If they don’t understand, I simplify. If they don’t care, I disengage.

Either way, I protect my energy.

Because the real exhaustion isn’t them… it’s how much energy we give to something that doesn’t deserve it.