How to deal with RUDE PEOPLE

Psychologist JOE HART on tackling difficult situations

- Amber Bramble.

Thanks to COVID, many people have endured anxiety that comes with the uncertainty of income and the threat of getting sick or passing it on to our loved ones.

We've also endured many months of lockdown with minimal interaction so it's suffice to say, we may be a little rusty on our social etiquette. Consequently, you may have noticed an unwelcome spike in the number of unpleasant interactions you are having with total strangers. This could be while walking your dog at the park, filling up at the petrol bowser, getting a coffee at the local cafe or braving the supermarket in the hope of finding affordable lettuce.

When it comes down to it, there are a few critical points in all interactions that are better navigated by using the following tools. As a psychologist, I find these to be incredibly useful in building better relationships be it with complete strangers, or lifelong friends. Let's take a look...

DISENGAGE

WALK THE OTHER WAY 

As an avid martial arts fan, I love to spectate a good fight, however, the best fighters know how to keep their cool under pressure, which also means knowing when not to fight. When you are experiencing a negative interaction with a stranger, the best advice I can give is to simply not engage. It may not be as satisfying but having an argument with a stranger is about as tactful as breaking up with someone via text message.