Our country just celebrated 239 years of independence. If the founding fathers could see how we are celebrating freedom, they would roll over in their graves. No, I’m not talking about anything political, although politics are included. I’m talking about people of every political and religious stripe exercising their freedom to be rude to anyone who disagrees with them.
Here’s what I mean:
It seems that there exists a general perception that you exist to serve my needs and make me happy. There is noticeable lack of respect for anyone and anything … including self. Seriously, here’s a little secret that could help you in life: If you respect yourself you will consider how rudeness makes you look.
I think another factor is that we are missing some filters. Feelings and opinions can be instantly broadcast on social media. Sometimes the best thing we can do is unplug and cool off before we post.
Sometimes the best thing we can do is unplug and cool off before we post. Click To Tweet
Could it be that rudeness often stems from a sense of powerlessness? If we can’t really make a difference, at least we can be heard and, by golly, we have a right to say what we think in these here United States. Having the right to speak does not make your words right.
Having the right to speak does not make your words right. Click To Tweet
Here’s another secret: We all need to lighten up and realize that rudeness is not going away, so we better learn how to deal with it.
To that end, I humbly offer 3 tips for experiencing Freedom from Rudeness:
1. Consider the source. Hurt people hurt people. No one is born rude. Self-centered, yes. Rude, no. It is a trait that is learned and developed often out of painful experiences and reinforced over time. Sometimes you are “getting someone else’s mail.”
2. As much as you would like to, don’t respond in kind. Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” 1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called.” Someone has to take the high road and model appropriate behavior. And sometimes the high road is a steep climb.
3. Hold up a higher standard. Deliberate rudeness shouldn’t be condoned or tolerated. If it’s on social media, delete the comment or even block a person who persists. That’s fairly easy. The hard part is when it is in conversation, either in person or on the phone. Sometimes you just need to tell a person, “I am willing to listen to any complaint you have, but I’m not willing to be spoken to disrespectfully. I won’t speak that way to you and I’m not going to be spoken to by you in that way. If we can’t continue respectfully then this meeting or phone call is over until we can.”
If we truly believe that all of our lives matter to God, we won’t be satisfied to go dumpster diving in the stench of rudeness.
Question: What other tips can you think of?
