by Carol Gioia

Created on: December 05, 2009

The holidays are impetus for all kinds of negative emotions to rise to the surface. Stress levels are at an all-time high. Many people are concerned about exceeding their budgets, pleasing all of their loved ones with the perfect gifts, and having too much to do in too little time.

How ironic that during the season of peace on earth, good will toward men, you have a greater potential of encountering rudeness than at any other time of the year.

The way you choose to deal with rude behavior will either exacerbate an unpleasant encounter, or mitigate it.

Tips for dealing with rude behavior:

* Keep your calm

Remain calm when you encounter rudeness. Do not take it personally or engage in like behavior. Becoming defensive or angry will only exacerbate the situation. Take the high road in each scenario where you encounter rudeness.

If you are dealing with a salesclerk, be patient and say Thank you, even when the service is less than desirable. Bear in mind that individual is probably panicking about his own holiday preparations being on hold while he caters to the public.

If an irate, impatient shopper bumps into you, say Excuse me, even if you are not at fault. Good manners can be contagious, or at the least, potentially nudge a rude person into self-awareness of his ill-mannered behavior.

Be especially tolerant and cautious of rude drivers during the holidays. Everyone is preoccupied and rushing about and it would behoove you, for safety sake, to yield the right of way, back off, slow down and defer to an impatient, rude driver.

* Be empathetic

Even though Christmas is a season of joy, for many people it can be a time of sadness or depression. .

If this is their first holiday after losing a loved one, they have meager finances to provide a good Christmas for their loved ones, or they might feel isolated and alone amongst all the merriment and celebratory atmosphere. There are myriad reasons for people to behave in a scrooge-like way. Sometimes fatigue is the real issue.

When you encounter rudeness, be willing to give the benefit of doubt and respond with calm graciousness.

* Behave in a positive way

Don't allow ill-mannered behavior on the part of another to impact your mood or interfere with your Christmas spirit. Take a deep breath, keep your own positive outlook, and simply ignore the rudeness of others.

Keep smiling and wishing everyone you encounter a happy holiday. The positive effects of your upbeat attitude could be immeasurable. You might inadvertently instill the Christmas spirit into the heart of a scrooge.

Happy Holidays!

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