Are people getting... angrier?

[ijen0311]

I took a trip to the mall today.

While pulling into the parking garage, I made a left turn in front of a man and woman in a pick up truck. After almost running into me, they yelled at me and gave me the finger. Silly me, I thought they would actually stop at their stop sign

Went into the mall, over to Gap. Stood in front of the counter to make a return. A moment later, another customer approached to make a return as well. Sales associate came over and asked who was first. Before I could open my mouth she said "me" and threw her stuff on the counter. When I looked at her, she gave me a dirty look.

Next I go to the food court. While paying for my food, there is a middle-aged woman with a younger man and woman. They were waiting for their food. Cashier motions me to be rung up, and I point at them to make sure they are not waiting to pay. She rings me up, and while my card is going through I reach behind the older woman for some red pepper (I didn't say excuse me because they were talking and I really wasn't in her way). The young woman with them looks at me and says, "stupid b!tch." (To be honest, I really really wanted to say something to her. But I was good.)

What is going on with our society?
Can't we all have some basic patience and kindness towards our fellow man? Isn't there enough anger in the world?

[scottschoe]

Maybe time for a new mall?

[kcmo]

Wow Jen, it's unfortunate to hear about people who obviously have no manners! I would have had a harder time keeping my mouth shut but you did the right thing. Not worth your time.

[ijen0311]

Originally Posted by kcmo

Wow Jen, it's unfortunate to hear about people who obviously have no manners! I would have had a harder time keeping my mouth shut but you did the right thing. Not worth your time.

I just wanted to eat my Sbarro!!

[Mosco]

Move to Ohio - it is common knowledge that people are the nicest here. I truly enjoy living here, as I consider myself a fairly nice guy!

[Latrodectus]

Sometimes you run into angry people...nothing you can do...thank god it is not too often!!!

[ohsixx]

I think those people you encountered were "North Florida Rednecks". I do everything I can to avoid them, but sometimes it is impossible to do so.

The "have nots" are full of jealously and hate. When they see someone that appears upscale in some way it infuriates them. Maybe it is a good thing they did not see your watch.

[ijen0311]

Originally Posted by ohsixx

I think those people you encountered were "North Florida Rednecks". I do everything I can to avoid them, but sometimes it is impossible to do so.

The "have nots" are full of jealously and hate. When they see someone that appears upscale in some way it infuriates them. Maybe it is a good thing they did not see your watch.

you....are....soooo....right! We shall call them the NFRs. (my least favorite part of Jacksonville)

That's part of the reason I didn't say anything to the last woman. I didn't want to get followed out to my car and have something bad happen.

[astcell]

Maybe they are all jealous of your Rolex?

[ijen0311]

Originally Posted by astcell

Maybe they are all jealous of your Rolex?

That's what it is! HATERS!

[swatty]

Hey Jen , maybe you should move to Oz , we are all really nice .

[Taffi Abernathy]

People act-out for all kinds of reasons, most of the time having little or nothing to do with you. It's simply a matter of their anger is right there on the surface, and it takes little provocation for the person to release it. Also, there are aggressive types who actively seek confrontation because they elevate their self-esteem by bullying others. What happened today would have likely happened to anyone standing there - it wasn't personal. Nonetheless, I would have probably said something since saying nothing is akin to condoning the behavior, not necessarily "being good," You obviously felt strongly enough about what happened to bring it back to the forums and write about it. Think of something assertive, not aggressive, you might say should you find yourself in this type of situation again.

[2careless]

Rude people are everywhere nowadays. Talk about their upbringings.
And don't get me started on road rages.

[ijen0311]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

People act-out for all kinds of reasons, most of the time having little or nothing to do with you. It's simply a matter of their anger is right there on the surface, and it takes little provocation for the person to release it. Also, there are aggressive types who actively seek confrontation because they elevate their self-esteem by bullying others. What happened today would have likely happened to anyone standing there - it wasn't personal. Nonetheless, I would have probably said something since saying nothing is akin to condoning the behavior, not necessarily "being good," You obviously felt strongly enough about what happened to bring it back to the forums and write about it. Think of something assertive, not aggressive, you might do should you find yourself in this type of situation again.

Thanks Faith

I agree with you completely.... and really, I'm not so much upset about what happened as I'm just confused. It seems like such a waste of energy to act so ridiculous!

I will have to think of something assertive for next time. I always think of something good to say after it's happened!

[Mosco]

Kill them with kindness - that will confuse them, as well as make them feel like complete arses. Just dont act scared.

[ijen0311]

Originally Posted by Mosco

Kill them with kindness - that will confuse them, as well as make them feel like complete arses. Just dont act scared.

I like the Cincinatti offer!

Know anyone in need of a social work manager?

[Lion]

Jen, today most people are impatient and if they have been taught manners they forgot how to use them!!! Some people feel they do not have to acknowledge others or respect their space. So we end up with anger management issues which can escalate to violence. I'm am a person who speaks my mind and will speak up when I see others being so callus toward me!!! Except when I'm in a car because possible road rage leads to insanity.

[away36]

Jen...I was in my drugstore yesterday to pick up my prescription. There was a man sitting in a chair near the counter. His son....about 14 or so, sat beside him. Another customer was already at the counter. Not wanting to "butt in", I asked..."Sir? Are you in line here?" He literally barked at me..."YES! I AM!!!" So...I just stayed where I was. He was next....got up to the counter and the pharmacist said..."Sir, your doctor gave us explicit instructions not to refill this prescription before 30 days are up. You'll have to wait a couple more days." Well....he went absolutely psycho. He was shouting and freaking out and being incredibly rude. It made me feel really uncomfortable and I felt SO bad for the pharmacy staff...and even worse for his poor son who seemed to be cringing with embarassment. I couldn't wait to pay for my prescription and get out of there!

[Bisquitlips]

Jen,

People are STUPID and SMALL!!!!! in this generation! Makes me wanna carry a gun and ............... shoot...............every............ one..............

Ok, ok............. breath caught!


Everywhere you go there are ridiculuous idiots! Everywhere!

I have been to the mall once in the last year. Once due to the idiots that I encounter there!

I don't really ever need to go to a mall in our area for a purchase. I will wait or purchase it online before I venture into a place that makes me wanna exhibit my nether violent nature!

It sounds like you handled it well.

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by away36

Jen...I was in my drugstore yesterday to pick up my prescription. There was a man sitting in a chair near the counter. His son....about 14 or so, sat beside him. Another customer was already at the counter. Not wanting to "butt in", I asked..."Sir? Are you in line here?" He literally barked at me..."YES! I AM!!!" So...I just stayed where I was. He was next....got up to the counter and the pharmacist said..."Sir, your doctor gave us explicit instructions not to refill this prescription before 30 days are up. You'll have to wait a couple more days." Well....he went absolutely psycho. He was shouting and freaking out and being incredibly rude. It made me feel really uncomfortable and I felt SO bad for the pharmacy staff...and even worse for his poor son who seemed to be cringing with embarassment. I couldn't wait to pay for my prescription and get out of there!

Obviously a prescription addict! They are everywhere!

[ijen0311]

Originally Posted by away36

Jen...I was in my drugstore yesterday to pick up my prescription. There was a man sitting in a chair near the counter. His son....about 14 or so, sat beside him. Another customer was already at the counter. Not wanting to "butt in", I asked..."Sir? Are you in line here?" He literally barked at me..."YES! I AM!!!" So...I just stayed where I was. He was next....got up to the counter and the pharmacist said..."Sir, your doctor gave us explicit instructions not to refill this prescription before 30 days are up. You'll have to wait a couple more days." Well....he went absolutely psycho. He was shouting and freaking out and being incredibly rude. It made me feel really uncomfortable and I felt SO bad for the pharmacy staff...and even worse for his poor son who seemed to be cringing with embarassment. I couldn't wait to pay for my prescription and get out of there!

I bet pharmacists see this a lot!

But, it's a perfect example...

Here's another story. Once I went to Walgreens to make a copy of a photo from a cruise (it was a formal night photo).
The photo guy called me up and said he couldn't copy it because it was a professional photo. (When the guy serving you Bahama Mamas during the day takes your picture at night... it's hardly professional! ) I said "ok, thanks" and started to walk away.
He called me back and said "well, I'll do it for you since you were nice. Usually people just yell at me."

Niceness pays, people!

[Troy]

Yes they are and the parents of these little gang holes should be deported with their little azzhole children and seize all assets too just my 2 cents

[AIKO]

Originally Posted by away36

Jen...I was in my drugstore yesterday to pick up my prescription. There was a man sitting in a chair near the counter. His son....about 14 or so, sat beside him. Another customer was already at the counter. Not wanting to "butt in", I asked..."Sir? Are you in line here?" He literally barked at me..."YES! I AM!!!" So...I just stayed where I was. He was next....got up to the counter and the pharmacist said..."Sir, your doctor gave us explicit instructions not to refill this prescription before 30 days are up. You'll have to wait a couple more days." Well....he went absolutely psycho. He was shouting and freaking out and being incredibly rude. It made me feel really uncomfortable and I felt SO bad for the pharmacy staff...and even worse for his poor son who seemed to be cringing with embarassment. I couldn't wait to pay for my prescription and get out of there!

Sounds like he wanted his narcotic pain meds refilled early for the 10 straight month.

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by ijen0311

I bet pharmacists see this a lot!

But, it's a perfect example...

Here's another story. Once I went to Walgreens to make a copy of a photo from a cruise (it was a formal night photo).
The photo guy called me up and said he couldn't copy it because it was a professional photo. (When the guy serving you Bahama Mamas during the day takes your picture at night... it's hardly professional! ) I said "ok, thanks" and started to walk away.
He called me back and said "well, I'll do it for you since you were nice. Usually people just yell at me."

Niceness pays, people!

I have found that being "different" (very gracious) is the key that opens many doors!

One of the things that I do when taking a flight is to compliment the air carrier just prior to coming up to the ticket counter. I do it rather loudly and purposely! Making sure that the airline ticket counter personnel hear me.

I can't tell you the number of times that this has paid off! These poor people hear nothing but bitching and complaints in their working lives. To hear one person that compliments them on their work does wonders for their attitude!

Was actually bumped from coach to 1st class due to a timely compliment!

A word in due season is joy and "how good it is"!!

[Lion]

Richard you have a great point. I know that when I'm polite and go out of my way to be nice, people are appreciative of the positive attitude and demeanor!!!

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by Lion

Richard you have a great point. I know that when I'm polite and go out of my way to be nice, people are appreciative of the positive attitude and demeanor!!!

These poor service people only hear the most vile words every day, all day!!!

When we step out and actually compliment them it has to stick.

I for one really hurt for them. I can't imagine having to work in that environment and will do all I can to uplift them regardless of whether it benefits me or not.

[ratae1950]

Ignore their rudeness. There could be a hundred reasons they are having a rough day and more than likely, none of them are anything to do with you. Looking at how the foreclosure/economic problems have hit Florida there must be thousands of people suffering terrible stress down there.

At least here in Massachusetts we expect everyone to be to be a lousy driver. I'll have to finish this post now as I'm currently driving home from the pub.........

[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by ratae1950

Ignore their rudeness. There could be a hundred reasons they are having a rough day and more than likely, none of them are anything to do with you. Looking at how the foreclosure/economic problems have hit Florida there must be thousands of people suffering terrible stress down there.

At least here in Massachusetts we expect everyone to be to be a lousy driver. I'll have to finish this post now as I'm currently driving home from the pub.........

I disagree with this point of view. After all, everyone has problems of some sort. Nonetheless, this doesn't give one a license to hurl expletives at strangers.

[erwin]

I admire your patience! I would have lost it from the finger alone!

[chenx15]

looks like Canada is the place for you!