When did you last come across a rude individual? Was it at the office? While getting the mail? In the elevator on the way to your dentist appointment?
It happens to the best of us. There's a preponderance of rude folks in the world, and there's little we can do about it. We do, however, exert control over how we respond to the ones in our orbit.
To be fair, we ourselves can be rude to others as times. We're only human. The key is for the person to recognize the offensive behavior, apologize, and prevent displaying such behavior in the future to the best of their ability.
Some people are, well, naturally rude. It's as if a day that goes by where they don't exhibit rudeness raises alarm. It could just be in their genes, it may be a product of their environment/upbringing, or a melding of the two. I speak of the folks who cut others off on the road, don't hold the door for those behind them, and lambast their co-workers.
In some cases, they may just be having a bad day and stumbled onto you at an inopportune time.
Some people don't mean to be rude; others do it deliberately. It's the latter, as I noted before, that we should try to weed out of our circle -- and, more broadly, our lives if at all possible.
Those who display no remorse are sure to repeat the act later on, which is why it's important one stand up for themselves.
Never let someone think they can get away with directing impertinent questions or remarks at you. It doesn't mean you have to cause a scene, but you'll need to pull them off to the side and let your voice be heard -- in a civil, if firm, manner.
The worst thing you can probably do is ape their rudeness. Two wrongs certainly don't make a right. By fighting fire with fire, you're essentially stooping to their level. And the thing is that that's precisely what rude people aim to people: get under your skin, sabotage your day.
Instead, model the behavior you wish for them to emulate; be the better, more mature, person.
It isn't your fault he or she may not have been taught the proper manners growing up. They may have some catching up to do in that department, but you shouldn't have to be the one to deal with their insolence.
Rude behavior that persists over an extended period of time can be construed as abuse or harassment. If you find yourself in this situation at work, reach out to your HR manager. If it's happening with your partner or friend, you may want to seek out tips from folks you trust before confronting them.
The good news is that for every rude person, there's a sweet, kind individual who's actually worth your time. It's these life-enhancing souls we should gravitate towards.
For more insightful tips and advice, click here: How to Understand People
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