Yesterday evening I ran into my local grocery store to pick
up a couple of items. As I waited in the
express lane, a woman walked directly in front of me and gave her items to the
cashier. She essentially pushed her
items into the cashier’s face ignoring my presence. Her rudeness was in no way subtle or
unmistakable.
I really do detest rude behavior especially in adults with
on looking children. This woman had a
young girl with her, and as I made an effort to keep my reaction in check and
my face unexpressive, I noticed the younger girl watching me. This girl stared at me even as they left the
store. She may have been waiting for me
to react in anger. I really do hope my
expression didn’t reveal my seething feelings.
The girl did distance herself so a part of me thinks she was embarrassed
by her mother’s rudeness.
The cashier apologized to me even though there was nothing
she could have done that wouldn’t have caused a scene. I wonder why so many people choose rudeness
over kindness. To be honest, I would
have gladly let this woman go ahead of me, if only she would have asked.
I once read that “rudeness
is the weak person’s imitation of strength.”
These words help me to recognize rudeness as egotism or even a kind of
ignorance.
I think the best
reaction in these situations is not to react at all. It’s not easy, and sometimes not reacting is an
exercise of will and strength, but I know I certainly don’t want to become the
very thing I dislike. So when
I find myself confronted with rude crass people, I choose to take the high
road. In the end, my reaction is the only
one I can control and the only one that truly matters.
Also read Lisa Merlo Booth's article, Why Take the High Road?
Also read Lisa Merlo Booth's article, Why Take the High Road?
