About two years back, I was emotionally weak (like way too much). It was not less than a major challenge to do deal with rude people. Their rudeness use to affect me in terms of the way I felt throughout the day or at times even the entire week, depending on the level of disgust they use to exhibit towards me under the disguise of being rude.
It took a long time to realize a few things that allowed me to deal with rude people in a far better way than before:
- Do not lose your presence of mind. Once we feel that we are under attack, our fight or flight mechanism controlled by an almond shaped structure in the brain called amygdala takes control and temporarily switches off the cortex functionality of our brain which is responsible for reasoning and logic. I think to develop this presence of mind one needs lots of practice
- If they are a people of authority, capable of putting you in major difficulties, like your Boss, then it is better to remain silent for that moment, not to take things personally and create a stronger network with your fellow employees who go through similar experiences regarding him, on a daily basis. The more you know that almost everyone gets the same treatment from him/her the more easy it will be for you to deal with him effectively. You will gain enough strength to 'not give a damn to his words or behavior' and to focus on your work, put your best self forward, rise up to the higher ranks and if things go beyond toleration, just move on to a better company or start your own business and take lessons from this rude boss on "how to be a better Boss and not a jerk".
- Now, for others who matter less, confront them without being too angry or wasting your energies, because they do not deserve it. Leave subtlety behind and let them know as soon as possible that they are being rude and that the behavior is unacceptable "I wonder if you realize you're coming across as rude. I know you don't meant to, and I'm not taking it that way, but I bet there are people who surprise you with their reactions."
