Dr. Susan Fletcher Reveals What Rude People Won't Tell You

Jan. 23, 2012 - PRLog -- Here's what rude people aren't telling you:

I have a problem that I don't know how to solve. To deal with a rude person, acknowledging his/her problem or point of view is sometimes all that needs to be done. Whether or not you solve the problem, just showing concern and making a goodwill effort to make things better does some good emotionally.

I'm not confident in my abilities. This is what we see in bullies. People with high self-awareness are naturally confident.  They exude charisma, are likeable and often inspire confidence in those around them.  On the flip side, extreme lack of self-confidence can show up as arrogance and rudeness.

I'm depressed. When a person is clinically depressed they have an intense inner focus that can cause them to appear selfish. When you see someone being rude because they've "had a bad day" or are "really tired" you may be seeing depression. Depressed people are so focused on how they feel that they are unaware of how their emotions affect others.  Watch for warning signs of suicide. http://www.fletcherphd.com/literature/HANDOUT_Suicide_Fac...

I'm uninformed. Talking loudly on your cell phone around others, strong cologne, disturbing someone who is concentrating at work, and allowing your children to continually misbehave in public are all ways people show rudeness. Many times people are unaware of how their actions are perceived and, quite frankly, they don't know better. When you know better, you do better.

I've disengaged from people. It's easier to be rude in an email or on Facebook than face-to-face.   When people are rude to you in these mediums hold them accountable for their actions by communicating with them on a higher level. For example, if you receive a rude email pick up the phone and call the person.   If you notice a rude Facebook post, "DEFRIEND IMMEDIATELY."  It's true, Facebook can make you sick. http://youtu.be/vomv5nwH3NY



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Susan Fletcher, Ph.D. is a practicing psychologist & speaker on Emotional Intelligence, productivity, performance & leadership development. She is the author of Working in the Smart Zone (2008) & Parenting in the Smart Zone (2005). http://www.FletcherPhD.com