While many individuals are incarcerated for (carefully) planned activities, a sizable number of persons are in jail for impulsive reactions to unforeseen events. When asked about their actions, individuals often say things like: “it just happened,” without acknowledging the possibility of alternative courses of action. Only when asked specifically about other options do many individuals begin to recognize they could have handled the situation differently.

 In this lesson, De’Shawn shows up unannounced at his ex-girlfriend Tiffany’s place shortly after getting released, seeking to get his belongings back. While he could have anticipated an angry reaction because he knows she is aware of his cheating -it’s the reason they broke up-, he has not given this any thought. Consequently, he responds impulsively and angrily when Tiffany curses him out. And, already heated from this exchange with Tiffany, he cannot control his anger when confronted assertively by the police. As a result, he goes back to jail for a violent altercation with Officers that could have been avoided.

Robert finds himself in the same predicament as De’Shawn. But unlike De’Shawn, he gives a lot of thought to what might transpire when he goes to his ex Jenny’s apartment to ask for his belongings. Knowing Jenny, he realizes she might very well call the police. So Robert is determined to stay calm and collected. Observing Robert’s even-temperedness -in contrast with Jenny’s outbursts- both the neighbors and the police side with Robert and he ends up getting his belongings back.

In short, the purpose of this chapter is the following: