How would you respond?

[redBoobergurl]

Hey Ziffel, been thinking about the situation a little bit and I still don't know the best way to deal with it. I think sometimes people don't realize just how rude they are or are coming off and need to be reminded of it politely every now and then. They probably aren't expecting you to respond, so I think any kind of response from you would surprise them and maybe even call attention to the fact that they are being rude and maybe they'd change a little. I read a book in college and did a presentation on it and I think it was called The Idiot's Guide to Dealing with Difficult People. There were some good tips in there and it was pretty interesting. I'll see if I can find it and get the title right for sure and let you know. Just remember, you're a better person than they are and great will be your reward in heaven (I know you're Christian so it's ok for me to tell you that.) Good luck!

 

[MartyMuppets]

I think Jesus would want you to gently let them know that you are hurt by their response and attitude. Some won't care of course and you need to turn the other cheek as Jesus said and pray quietly for them.
But there will be those who will be truly sorry and apologetic whether they're Christian or not. And you never know the good seed you may sow in their hearts by your gentleness and patience
So don't despair Ziffel. I'll say a prayer for you

 

[Ziffel]

I've experienced a lot of rude people driving on the road lately.

Oooh yeah I sure know how awful people can be on the road! That's why I'm so happy to have gotten a job a mile away from me (and for saving $ on gas, as well all the time saved from long commutes). Today on the way home from work, however, I had a little funny thing ensue. It only takes about five minutes to get home. Well I was making a right turn onto a busy road and a pedestrian was walking across so I stopped and let her pass. But this led to a car from a side parking lot just a bit in front of me to then go ahead and turn left while I was stopped. Then another car came behind that one (from the lot) but waited for me to start up again. I pressed on the gas but then stopped suddenly because about ten feet beyond that car was two teenagers about to cross the street. But then they stopped when they saw I was going forward. So I, now being stopped, motioned for them to go ahead. But the guy in the car thought I was motioning for him (I don't think he saw the teens) and started to go. But I had moved just a bit ahead and then he stopped and threw up is hands like he was saying what the heck are you doing. Then the teens just decided to keep walking down the sidewalk and were laughing at the whole thing.
Hmmm this is probably really hard to follow ain't it? Well suffice to say that it was a series of bizarre and comical things! Ah the adventures on the road!

It case #1 I would have simply said sorry, the signs are for your safety.

Yeah that's the irony of the whole thing. Here she was complaining how she finds those signs annoying, yet had I not had any signs and she slipped you can bet she would have raged, "How come no wet floor signs!"

When all else fails, talk to a supervisor about it.

Yes that's a reassuring thing to keep in mind. If someone's gonna give me a hard time for doing my job I'll certainly always have recourse by informing the supervisor, if they get should get excessive about it.

I think sometimes people don't realize just how rude they are or are coming off and need to be reminded of it politely every now and then.

Very good, you're right that does indeed apply sometimes. Some people really just don't realize how inappropriate, selfish, petty, etc. they are coming across sometimes. That further helps us in not taking such things personally.

I read a book in college and did a presentation on it and I think it was called The Idiot's Guide to Dealing with Difficult People. There were some good tips in there and it was pretty interesting.

Boy that sounds real helpful. And your mentioning this also gives me the idea to do a google search for "dealing with difficult people". I imagine there are a lot of sites with tips about this topic, as well as other books similar to the one you referred to.

and great will be your reward in heaven

Great reminder there! It greatly pleases the Lord when we patiently endure trials and He will reward us for it. Also reminded me of Romans 12:18 "If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all." That verse acknowledges that it's not a guarantee that people will respond positively to our being positive. But we can promote a peaceful situation as much as we can.

And you never know the good seed you may sow in their hearts by your gentleness and patience

Another great point! Difficult people may show no sign that you got anywhere with your polite, gentle, friendly, etc. responses to their rudeness. But that doesn't necessarily mean that you didn't make an impression on them, just because they didn't show it.

Thanks all of you so much for taking the time to share all your numerous insightful and wise thoughts. I appreciate you so much and how you really lifted my spirits. I'll hug you all at that thread.
And the fact that I got unanimous feedback from you all that you thought my response for number 3 ("I'm just doing my job. My boss wants this done now.") was a good reply really helps me to want to utilize that approach in future incidents like that. I remember one time many years ago this customer was chewing out a co-worker of mine for something and the co-worker said, "I'm sorry sir, I'm just doing my job." Then the customer calmed down some and admitted, "I know." So that is effective. Thanks again. : )
I exceeded my limit of three smilies so I had to leave a space between the : and )! kee hee hee hee hee