5 Iconic Lessons Wednesday Addams Taught Me About Handling Conflict

Wednesday Addams is a role model. No, really, she is.

As one of the youngest members of the Addams Family, she gives you confidence that the kids are alright. The way she navigates this complex world proves inspiring – perhaps even hopeful about the future – as she reveals the right way to handle conflict when you face adversity.

On the one hand, you can head off to LinkedIn to read about some peanut-headed larva bug cosplaying as a manager trying to sell you a course on how to eat the frog, make yourself more likable, and inherit everyone else’s work and responsibilities. Alternatively, you can follow in Wednesday’s path and make better life choices. Your pick, but I know which option I’m choosing here.

Don’t be afraid to escalate an already hostile situation to new heights

So, what’s everyone’s first instinct when they encounter conflict? For most people, it’s to deescalate, or walk away from the situation. After all, it’s tense and uncomfortable when emotions run high, right? Wednesday would be disappointed in you. Conflict provides a welcome opportunity to tell the numbskull in front of you exactly everything that you think of them. Since you’re already in the moment, don’t be shy to lay it all out here. Besides, isn’t it considered bad to bottle up your emotions? Use this gift of opportunity to tell this miserable worm the truth – and nothing but the unfiltered truth. Remember, Wednesday’s child is full of woe – but venom too.

A death stare paints a thousand words (or daggers)

While escalating conflict is encouraged, it’s also good to take pause before you do. Not to consider your actions or words, but to look at the person, staring deep into their eyes and refusing to break eye contact for a second. This unsettles most people and puts them on the backfoot. Also, try to not blink at all, since this heightens the anxiety level for the other person. Feel them squirm without saying a word or doing a single thing. Sometimes, a stare is all it takes for the other person to hightail it in an argument. Consider it a resounding win if they do.

Accept a helping hand – quite literally

In Netflix’s Wednesday, Thing affirms his place as Wednesday’s most trusted ally and confidante. The severed hand helps the younger Addams, finding himself at the right place at the right time. He’s particularly useful when Wednesday finds herself in a pickle, such as being tied up or locked in a coffin, since he’s able to give her the necessary backup. Similarly, it’s important for you to assemble your own allies. Now, while it might be difficult to find a reanimated severed hand in this economy, accept a helping hand wherever it may come from. No person is an island… Okay, Wednesday did say she likes to be an island surrounded by sharks, but even then, she would still want Thing by her side.

Revenge is important for your own self-development

One of the best quotes from Wednesday is: “I don’t bury hatchets; I sharpen them.” Wise words from one so young, because it’s sage advice. When someone wrongs you in life, they’ll do it over and over again if you fail to retaliate. People love to test boundaries and see what they can get away with. Forgiveness is a sign of weakness. The only way you can achieve your full potential is through the sweet art of revenge. Enemies need to learn that crossing you is a bad move, and if they do it again, you will not hesitate to inflict maximum damage on them. In turn, this will help you to become the best (and most powerful) version of you that you can be.

Embrace the weirdo inside of you

There’s some quote about everyone having two wolves inside of them. That’s complete and utter nonsense, because where do these wolves eat, sleep, and poop? What you have inside of you is a weirdo – someone who dances to the beat of their own rhythm and begs to be freed from their shackles of normality. Don’t let the world try to shape you into what it assumes you should be. Ever. Walk your own path, snapping your fingers and dancing to the Cramps’ “Goo Goo Muck.”

In case this needs to be spelled out, this is a satirical article. Maybe. Anyway, check out Wednesday Season 2 on Netflix.