How to keep cool when rude is the norm
Rapper Kanye West storms the stage and steals spotlight on the
biggest night of Taylor Swift's life. Tennis star Serena Williams
berates a judge over a botched call. What's with these people? Your mama
taught you better. And if you've forgotten what she told you, here's how
you can learn to keep your cool in a rude, rude world.
Step 1: Rely on the facts
 Politicians, comedians and talk show hosts may make big bucks for
being uncivil, but you won't. Disregard of the facts may be
entertaining, but unless you're reeling in the dough in front of a
paying audience, it's best to rely on intellect. Get your point across
without flinging insults back and forth, by reciting the facts instead.
Leave out the verbal abuse and you will appear intelligent.
Step 2: Zip it up
"Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open
it and remove all doubt," says Mark Twain. In other words, when you're
riled up and heated, it's probably more productive to keep your mouth
shut.
Step 3: Make Grandma proud
If you have a tendency to lose it, think about your grandma. What
would Grandma advise? She probably doesn't want her little darling
swearing and throwing fits in public. After all, how you behave does
reflect on your relatives. One bad apple spoils the whole bunch.
Step 4: Use company manners
A little decorum goes a long way in soothing nerves and negotiating a
solution. Opinions aren't changed by bullying. If you feel the urge to
shout out, shout out something positive.
Step 5: Rein in rage
Anger, ranting and raving is bad for health. From high blood pressure
to heart disease to stroke and depression, acting out might land you in
the doctor's office. Who can afford that? It's better for your heart and
your relationships if you replace rage with sensible responses. Be
gentle with yourself. Your heart and family will benefit from your mild
manner.
Step 6: Choose happy
Unless you're big on apologizing in public for rude remarks and bad
behavior, it's really more satisfying to think happy and avoid
embarrassment. Replacing angry thoughts with pleasant ones will keep you
calm. Children are watching, so set a good example. Say out loud: "Today
is a good day to be alive."
Step 7: Stop and chill
If you are getting riled up, take a break, go for a walk, get a drink
of water and cool down. Don't be dumb. Don't do something stupid. If you
need to do something, do something smart. Walking away is not being
"chicken;" it's a strategic action.
Step 8: Be a lover, not a fighter
Sometimes you have to put up with other people's bad manners, but you
don't have to adopt their immature ways. Treat neighbours and strangers
as you would like to be treated. Stomp out rude by applying the "Golden
Rule." Make love your mission.
- ehow.com
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