How to Repel Rude People

Part of everyday life requires interaction with rude people. You'll encounter them everywhere--at sporting events, movie theaters, in grocery stores. But you don't have to put up with someone who has nothing nice to say about anyone else. Here's how to repel the offensive behavior without losing your sanity.

Instructions

    • 1

      The easiest thing to do is nothing. Just ignore someone who is being rude to you or someone else, such as a person sitting in a grandstand with you who is heckling an athlete on the field. By not paying attention to their rude behavior, you are taking away their audience. Focus your attention on the game or task at hand.

    • 2

      Avoid the person. Walk away if an offensive conversation begins. This way, you cannot be engaged in a conversation you don't want to be a part of. Alternately, if you know you will be in the same room or place as rude people, do not attend the function.

    • 3

      Bring the poor behavior to the person's attention. If someone is rude to you, point it out. Saying, "You do realize that it's not polite to point out that she is overweight" will likely shame the person into keeping quiet, at least for the moment. He will also reflect on the way he's been acting.

    • 4

      Ask the person to stop the offensive behavior. Whether cursing, making fun of someone else or talking during a movie, politely say that the discussion is making you uncomfortable and point out the fact that it is rude. It is important to say this with a smile and not cause the person to become defensive when confronted.

    • 5

      In public, ask for assistance. At the movie theater, tell an usher or a manager the situation and let them handle it. In other places, look for security or a police officer to confront the rude person. They will have a conversation with the person, which will result in one of two things happening: The behavior will stop, at least for the time being, or the person will become argumentative and will be escorted from the premises.

    • 6

      Mirror their antics. This works especially well when it comes to friends and family. If someone is being rude to you, repel his rudeness by imitating him. You will demonstrate how the person is acting and cause him think twice about his behavior in the future.