Dealing with people that have attitudes

[hector1978]

Today has been very challenging to say the least. I work in retail and I often times come across people that are mean-spirited, rude or just down right nasty. Today I had my full share of it. I know that I'm a very sensitive man, when someone hurts my feelings or gives me attitude I don't tend to be sad, I tend to be extremely angry and downright hateful. I've been trying to live by the spirit for the last few weeks since I've decided to change my life and turn back to Christ. Today I can say that I was tested. I had a lady earlier call me yelling me over the phone wanting to know when is her delivery going to happen. Of all the things she would flip out about, I mean it's not like we're in the Sudan where we as a nation are starving and war torned? But needless to say she was upset. I was able to calmly explain to her the process and bit my tongue regarding her attitude. Then I had an older gentleman come in and treated me like absolute dirt. He made me feel so small. I was burning, and fuming in the inside but kept my cool. I remembered that Christ dealt patiently with people like that and Dog gonnitt I was going to follow in his footsteps. I politely told the gentleman with all due respect that I didn't appreciate his attitude but that I was going to help him with what he needed. He looked stunned. Later when everything was being finalized he actually apologized (or something like it) about his attitude problem. I assured him that it was all water under the bridge and that I was going to give him the best deal I could anyway. Afterwards, I had to deeply pray. I was fighting not to give in to hate and anger which is in my nature. I overcame it but It left me emotionally exhausted. Just wanted to share this in case someone was in the same boat and needed some encouragement. God bless

 

[Brad Huber]

I hear you brother, I work in retail as well. Just a couple of days ago, I had a man come in and berate me, and correct me, as if he was my supervisor doing so to a bad worker. It was all I could do to keep myself from telling him what I thought of his opinion. He later gave me a half apology, saying he was sorry for his attitude, but.... that he blamed my company (walmart) for the way customer service is handled. I didnt respond to his apology other than to kindly ring him up and wish him well. And it was like pulling teeth to do that. I didnt think his apology was sincere, and I was simply wanting him to leave as quickly as possible. I feel sorta bad about not accepting his apology, but I dont think he meant it by his attitude both before, during, and after the sale (he thought I was cheating him on the price, I had to show him why he was in error, and then he thought one of the technicians stole his lock which was inches away from where it came from, they not wanting to lock it, but to leave it close - on the bumper next to the hitch it came from). Its going to be more and more like this as times get tough, ppl take it out on retail employees, as if we deserve thier wrath.

 

[Redemption]

Today has been very challenging to say the least. I work in retail and I often times come across people that are mean-spirited, rude or just down right nasty. Today I had my full share of it. I know that I'm a very sensitive man, when someone hurts my feelings or gives me attitude I don't tend to be sad, I tend to be extremely angry and downright hateful. I've been trying to live by the spirit for the last few weeks since I've decided to change my life and turn back to Christ. Today I can say that I was tested. I had a lady earlier call me yelling me over the phone wanting to know when is her delivery going to happen. Of all the things she would flip out about, I mean it's not like we're in the Sudan where we as a nation are starving and war torned? But needless to say she was upset. I was able to calmly explain to her the process and bit my tongue regarding her attitude. Then I had an older gentleman come in and treated me like absolute dirt. He made me feel so small. I was burning, and fuming in the inside but kept my cool. I remembered that Christ dealt patiently with people like that and Dog gonnitt I was going to follow in his footsteps. I politely told the gentleman with all due respect that I didn't appreciate his attitude but that I was going to help him with what he needed. He looked stunned. Later when everything was being finalized he actually apologized (or something like it) about his attitude problem. I assured him that it was all water under the bridge and that I was going to give him the best deal I could anyway. Afterwards, I had to deeply pray. I was fighting not to give in to hate and anger which is in my nature. I overcame it but It left me emotionally exhausted. Just wanted to share this in case someone was in the same boat and needed some encouragement. God bless

You are right, Christ was extremely patient and understanding. But we also do (I really dont think I need to point out specific passages) see Christ acting in an angry manner. Sure, rightfully so, but angry none the less. He called certain individuals a "brood of vipers" and even flipped over a table in a temple whilst yelling at Pharisees. I am not by any means telling you to be loud and hostile towards these people. But in using kind and logical words you can also assert yourself and explain the rather logical side of things, very much in the same fashion as you have shared these things with us in your post.