Dear Jacquelyn,

While shopping last week I had an uncomfortable experience at checkout. The line was long and a customer behind me was loudly expressing disapproval. Hearing the snarky remarks, I didn’t know if I should turn around, nod in agreement, or ignore the person. I didn’t want the scene to escalate. How should I respond to a stranger’s rude and impatient behavior?

Dear Reader,

We all have to wait at times, taking our turns and being courteous, but I suppose someone didn’t get the memo.

There’s a chance the impatient stranger had a lot on his or her mind and was trying to multi-task throughout the day. The frustration built and you became an unlucky recipient of hostility.

Anytime you encounter a situation like this, remember you are only responsible for your own behavior. You can’t control anyone else.

Practice controlling your emotional response and don’t take someone else’s impatience personally.

When a customer behind you is becoming noticeably antsy, it’s best to stay quiet. Maybe the person is having a bad day and is venting.

No matter what, don’t join in the tirade, as it only will make the situation worse. Choose to deal with the person politely. Take a few deep breaths, shake it off and, if possible, find humor in the situation.

Anytime you are dealing with strangers who commit questionable infractions, I suggest smiling politely and without judgment. You probably will never know what events may have transpired in the person’s life that day to cause such rude behavior.

In the fast-paced world we live in, we could all use a little more patience. It’s time we all slow down and handle impatience with patience.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation.

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2021 Jacquelyn Youst