No Excuse for Bad Behavior

It's very disheartening today to see how badly people behave in public. There seems to be no responsibility for actions, no filter before speaking, a lack of proper social skills, and the belief that they come first at all costs. The idea of having some patience and graciousness totally escapes many.

When you leave home, you will encounter any of the following on a daily basis:

• At work there are the co-workers who speak loudly or interrupt others as they are speaking, or others who try to involve themselves in something that is none of their concern.
• In stores people will stand in the aisles talking making it difficult for other shoppers to get by, have conversations on their cell phones, or cut someone off to get in line at the checkout.
• In restaurants, planes, trains and other public venues they will have loud conversations being disrespectful of other patrons.
• Walking on the city streets people push and shove to get around others or run into someone as they are looking at their phone instead of where they are going.
• People that speak their mind even when nobody wants to know their opinion on a subject.
• The ones looking for attention who will tell anyone who will listen about their personal life even when nobody has asked.

Then there is the bad behavior that is also hurtful:

• Those who verbally attack people just because they are from a different culture or have differing views.
• Someone who is cruel and hateful for no reason; sometimes starting physical altercations over something ridiculous with no regard to the harm they will cause.
• Bullies who call others names to make themselves feel important, or to put themselves in the "limelight".
• Being selfish to the point of creating a bad environment, either socially or monetarily, for those less fortunate; all to have things their way even if it's wrong. 

Technology and the age of social media have contributed to an environment where everyone can speak their mind through videos, giving them the illusion of being famous or important. If they don't receive the attention they are looking for, some become angry and even hostile, which can sometimes spill out into the real world.

There is no excuse for bad behavior; not even when things aren't going our way. When we encounter it in our daily lives, we cannot tolerate it; if we do then we are condoning it. When we don't acknowledge people who are behaving badly, then they won't get the attention they are looking for; maybe in time their behavior will change.

Recognize people for good behavior and try not to let the bad infiltrate your world.