As harsh as it sounds, it’s mostly true. There are exceptions, of course, yet as the door slammed in my face this evening after a mother daughter duo passed through, I couldn’t help but be reminded of this.
Both took up so much space in that room – not physically, but energetically. They were loud, the mother talking to staff as if they were toddlers and the daughter gossiping on the phone with a friend. They had no care or consideration for anyone around them. Just two generations acting selfishly and rudely, polluting the air around us all. Looks from other customers were exchanged and some eye rolls took place, each of us acknowledging that this behavior didn’t escape our notice.
Let’s normalize good manners. Not the Victorian era rules of etiquette, but the common courtesy and civility that takes into consideration our fellow men and women and lets the world know we don’t actually think it’s all about us.
There’s nothing attractive about obnoxious, arrogant behavior and let’s not confuse it with strength, assertiveness, or leadership skills. Ignorant is ignorant and rude is rude.
So look behind you when you cross the threshold, extending the kindness of holding the door for another. Disconnect your call before you enter an establishment or if you must extend it, speak softly and be discreet. To the young girl tonight, I really don’t care how Ryan feels about you or who is going to your party next weekend – and neither did anyone around you except your mother. And treat staff with respect and decency, not as if they’re your personal servants.
Rude behavior is not cool.
