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No one likes rude people. At least, that’s what we tell ourselves. The reality is, we allow them to be rude. On some level, we are impressed by their rudeness.

Are you rude? Am I rude?

"Rudeness is one of the purest forms of power play; an effective way of controlling a situation, asserting your own superiority, and showing other people how very special you are." - Danny Wallace

So, according to that summation "power" is at the core of rudeness. Being nasty and rude makes the deliverer think they are in charge of the situation where in fact they feel they have no control. Now any metaphysician worth their salt knows this type of behavior is actully fear-based. Take the pandemic for example - some surveys are starting to show that people literally got ruder towards one another shortly after it started. Well, hey, at least they didn't resort to pushing people and stomping on them like they did during the Cabbage Patch Doll craze in the 80's.

Many psychologists are referring to these current times as The Age of Insolence which is very apropos since rude and crude is everywhere and infiltrates every facet of life. One cannot even get online to view a controversial topic without being blasted by stomach turning comments that get the blood pressure boiling. It is almost as though everyone has come down with a form of God Syndrome thinking only thier own opinions and beliefs are just and correct and can fix all the problems of the world.

Every person who has an ounce of wisdom knows you cannot "fix" other people - they need to get out of their own misery all by themselves. But how would the Pope, the Dali Lama and Solomon handle all of this?

• Don't take it personal. A reality check will demonstrate it's actually not about you so don't take on that burden. Detach yourself from the situation and examine why you are finding a particular comment offensive because your own  preconditioned mindset is part of the problem.
• Take a breath - relax. Stop that knee jerk action before it starts. If you knee jerk you take the bait. Just Breathe...
• Take the High Road. Try using some insight which might reveal the offender actually has fears and problems that are manifesting in rude behaviors.
• If you must engage the person try agreeing to disagree. Respond in a way that defends your belief and deliver it in a respectful tone. Do not re-engage. Move on.

Try some compassion. Remember: "An old adage offers us this wisdom: 'Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.' If you can practice this sage advice the next time you are challenged by belligerent behavior, the situation can shift. When you operate from a place of compassion, you may notice that incidents of rude behavior in your everyday dealings lessen. If rude behavior is contagious, then human kindness is the cure." - Susan Steinbrecher