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on a cell phone in a library), often there are people in positions of authority that can handle those matters diplomatically. If you are bothered by someone in the library talking on their cell phone, a quick whisper to a librarian will usually take care of the problem. If the librarian refuses to handle the situation for fear of confrontation, just remember that if you are going to confront the rude person, correct them in the manner in which you would want them to correct you. Kindly take them aside and say, "Excuse me, but I'm having trouble concentrating while you're on your cell phone. Would you mind stepping to a more solitary area?" As subtle as it is, even looking up from whatever it is you're doing, catching that person's eye (without a mean look), and then returning to your endeavor is sometimes enough to make that person correct themselves.

In review, always maintain a good attitude. Don't take things personally if you don't really know the person, listen to what they have to say, sift through the rudeness to understand their point, apologize, solve the problem if you can, and thank them. In other situations, try to delegate the task of confrontation to a person with a little more authority or clout. If all else fails, sometimes you just have to shrug rude people off, bite your tongue, and let life teach them a lesson when they are alone in life due to their rudeness. Whatever you do, make sure you are personally responsible for yourself.

Learn more about this author, Robert Killam.
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