I have heard more people complain about the rudeness of others in the last week than I can ever remember (And unfortunately have been an eyewitness to my share!) People who won’t move out of the way for a mother with a baby stroller, another who wouldn’t open a door for an elderly man, and someone who got all “snippy” instead of attempting to use common everyday logical problem solving techniques. So, I ask.. where did we go wrong or is there some cosmic explanation?
Now I like to think that I am one of those people who see the good in a person before the bad. Maybe as a psychologist I have seen really dark sides to some people, so others pale in comparison. And this is not to say that rudeness is common to only one age group or demographic. Nope. It seems to be rampant among all age groups, lately. Except for babies, they get an exemption.
I am not sure I have an answer to how we combat rudeness and put common courtesy back in to our everyday skill set. So, please help me out and let me know how you stop pervasive rudeness / bullying among those who should know better.
Thanks for reading. Please feel free to leave a polite and considerate comment below.
~Louise
p.s. If you wish to listen to my interview this past Tuesday with Susan Ferris, click here for your listening options. Transcript will be posted later today on this blog.
Hmmmmm, Louise….so interesting. Ya know, I was just having a coversation with a teenager the other day about this VERY thing. She and I were discussing whether we should treat others as they treat us (or as they tweet us, as the case may be…ahem!)…or if we should treat them better… treat them as if they are who they might become. I always try to opt for the latter, but full disclosure…that isn’t always easy. Particularly when we are on the receiving end of someone else’s misguided anger and spiteful words. I always try to not personalize…and try to help my young clients learn to do the same. As kindly as possible, I might even ask a misguided soul…”Are you angry with me in particular, or you just angry about things in general?” The responses to this can be surprising.
Now, I’m talking about bullying…just a random interaction with someone who may unleash their inappropriate anger/rudeness on you.
When in doubt, take the high road…there you are sure to be in good company! ….and then call a good friend to debrief!
Let’s raise up our collective unconscious!
Wendy @Kidlutions
Whoops….I meant to say, “I’m NOT talking about bullying….just a random interaction with……”
Bullying….totally different dynamic….
I think people have become so politically correct that they don’t want to “offend” someone who is out of line by pointing it out to them.
For some strange reason, they view that rude person’s right to be rude as more acceptable than speaking up for themselves or others in the surrounding areas of the offensive & rude behavior being displayed.
It is strange…and disheartening.