Reign in Rudeness – Start with the Holidays

HealthWatch for December 2004
Share

The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and peace. However, rudeness often is a cloud that hovers over many activities that take place in preparation for the holiday. Not only during the holidays but throughout the year, you may experience rudeness in the workplace, at public events, and on the road. These situations can affect emotional well being.

A survey conducted by Public Agenda, called Aggravating Circumstances - A Status Report on Rudeness in America, 2002, revealed that eight in 10 people claim lack of respect and courtesy is a serious problem. Moreover, six in 10 say in the past few years rudeness has become worse. Actually, 41 percent of the people admitted to being rude themselves.

To curtail rudeness, remember, the prime situations for incivility are 1) driving on the road, 2) interacting in a store, or 3) engaging in an activity. Reign in rudeness – each person can make a difference.

Source: Public Agenda, Aggravating Circumstances, A Status Report on Rudeness in America

Information and Resources:

The Cleveland Clinic Information Center, Coping with Holiday Stress
The Family Institute, Holiday Stress Tips
Lorain County Board of Mental Health’s Coping with the Holidays pamphlet (PDF 130MB).
MayoClinic.com, Coping with the Holidays
National Mental Health Association, Holiday Depression & Stress
NetWellness, Community Health Information
University Hospitals Health System, Holiday Help Guide for Stepfamilies
WebMDHealth, 10 Tips for Reducing Stress