You ever have one of those days where it feels like the world is out to test your patience? Where every little thing that could go wrong…does? You wake up late, your coffee spills, your boss sends a snarky email, someone cuts you off in traffic, and by the time you get home, you’re just about ready to scream. That’s what we mean when we say: They really try you!
This phrase isn’t just a complaint—it’s a whole mood. It’s a callout to those moments where your resilience is pushed to the edge. Whether it’s dealing with toxic people, uncalled-for drama, or the little inconveniences of life, there’s a strength that comes from surviving those days. Let’s unpack that.
Testing Your Patience
From rude customer service reps to passive-aggressive coworkers, it sometimes feels like people are testing how much you can take before you snap. And let’s be honest—it would feel really good to go off sometimes. But here’s the thing: maintaining your peace is the real win.
Being tested isn’t about the other person. It’s about you. How you respond. How you choose not to give in to negativity. That’s growth. That’s power.
Example #1: The Office Antagonist
We all know the one. The person who has a comment about everything. Your outfit, your lunch, the way you handle tasks. They act like it’s their personal mission to get under your skin.
You want to clap back. But instead, you take a breath. You keep your cool. You set boundaries. You choose your battles wisely. Why? Because their drama doesn’t deserve a front-row seat in your mental space.
Life Throws Curveballs
It’s not always people. Sometimes it’s life itself that really tries you. Health scares, financial problems, relationship stress. It can feel like you’re just trying to stay afloat while the universe keeps sending waves.
When you hit that point, it’s easy to question everything. But those are the moments that build you. They force you to dig deeper, get creative, be resilient.
Example #2: The Unforeseen Bill
You’re managing your money the best you can. Then boom—your car breaks down or your pet needs emergency care. That bill you didn’t expect comes right when you were trying to save.
You could spiral. Or, you pivot. You find a solution. Maybe you borrow, adjust your budget, pick up extra hours. It sucks, but you get through it. Because when life tries you, you rise up.
Emotional Resilience
It takes emotional intelligence to survive these moments. Being able to recognize what you feel, understand why you feel it, and still move forward takes real inner strength.
- Recognize triggers: What situations or people test your limits?
- Pause before reacting: Give yourself time to cool down.
- Process privately: Vent, write, talk it out before responding.
- Protect your peace: Know when to walk away or say no.
Growth in Discomfort
The truth is, we don’t grow when everything is easy. We grow when we’re tested. When we’re pushed outside of our comfort zones and forced to figure out who we are when things aren’t perfect.
- That difficult coworker teaches you professionalism.
- That messy relationship teaches you boundaries.
- That financial struggle teaches you discipline.
Each trial builds character. It shows you what you can handle, what you value, and what you’ll never tolerate again.
Example #3: Friends Who Aren’t Friends
You start to notice someone you thought was your friend talks behind your back, flakes constantly, or only shows up when they need something. They’re not supporting you—they’re draining you.
It stings. But eventually, you realize you deserve more. You start choosing friends who uplift you. That fake friendship? It really tried you. But now, you know better.
Finding Humor in the Chaos
Sometimes, the best way to handle the madness is to laugh. Not everything has to be so serious. Laughing at a ridiculous situation helps release tension.
Did your coffee spill on your white shirt five minutes before a meeting? Yep. Classic. Laugh it off, clean up, and carry on.
Humor isn’t minimizing the struggle. It’s surviving it with style.
Protecting Your Energy
Not everyone deserves access to you. When people keep trying you, over and over, it’s time to protect your energy.
- Set boundaries.
- Block, mute, unfollow.
- Take a break from the noise.
- Say no without guilt.
Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and candles. It’s also canceling plans when you’re drained, avoiding toxic people, and choosing peace over drama.
Final Thoughts: You’re Still Standing
If you’re reading this, that means they tried you—and you’re still here. Still pushing. Still growing. That’s powerful.
You didn’t let them break you. You didn’t lose yourself. You might have had some tough days, cried some tears, wanted to give up—but you didn’t. You kept going.
So the next time someone, or something, really tries you, remember:
- You’re stronger than you think.
- You don’t have to respond to every provocation.
- You can laugh, cry, or scream—just keep going.
Because every time you come out the other side, you’re wiser, tougher, and more in tune with who you are.
They really try you—but they don’t define you.
