Mean People Suck!

Okay...did I get your attention?

How many of you have seen this line - 'Mean People Suck' as a bumper sticker?

I've seen it and never thought of getting it for my car until this week. I don't know if it was the incredibly lousy Spring we've had here on Vancouver Island (coldest April in 70 years), or the fact that people are just generally negative but I've never encountered so many rude people as I did this week! Whew!

It made me want to buy my own remote island (yes, there are still a few around for a few million dollars), build a cottage and ignore the world! In truth, it wore me out, wore down my 'friendly mask' and made me mad.

When you work with people a lot (I also co-own a menswear store so this equals retail and I know how most of you feel about working retail!), you have to be kind, compassionate, understanding and the 'customer is always right.'

This week, I had two people who weren't understanding - they were downright cruel.They even went so far as to stick salt in the wound and say, "I'll never shop here - I'll shop out of town."

If we didn't care, weren't compassionate, weren't honest and didn't bend over backwards to give the greatest service we could (we've delivered suits at midnight for people when they wanted things altered immediately and when they came in after hours) and if we hadn't won 'Best Retail Store in the city for 8 years in a row, I would brush it off. But when people are deliberately rude, cruel and mean - they just plain 'suck.'

I'm not sure I understand what is happening with people? Are they just so stressed out and overwhelmed that they have to take their frustrations out on people that work in the public? All I can say is that my really bad day ended with really great people who don't suck!

We finally got together with the best people who are positive, caring and compassionate go-getters who want to make the world a better place. Wow...it's refreshing when you can actually find people like this! Who knew?

I think I'll go get myself a bumper sticker that says: 'Kind People Rock!

Lisa Rickwood - 'A person who thinks Kind People Rock!'

Comments

[Lisa]

Kim,

Thanks for your honest comments. Yes, I've also noticed that younger people are less respectful. They are simply a product of their environment - the world, media and most importantly, family.

I have a teenager and this means that he's not always respectful; I don't put up with this. I won't allow him to yell, swear or be disrespectful with me because if he can get away with this with me, he will spread this negativity out into the world. It starts with the family.

The most important thing we can do is be loving, kind and understanding both towards our children, family friends and the world.

Thank you again, Kim for your message. After I sent this, I felt a little vulnerable; I expressed my true feelings about something that bothers me. However, I know we're all not alone and many of us feel the same way.

Have a great day and I hope you surround yourself with many kind people who rock!

Lisa

[Kim Zook]

Sign me up for your "Kind People Rock" bumper sticker Lisa! It will be the first one I've every found worthy to put on my car.

We're currently living here on Vancouver Island. I must admit, however, that we've had more experiences here with kind people going out of there way than we have had while living in other parts of North America. But all it takes is one rude person to sour the day.

As a high school teacher I've often asked myself 'what is the next generation going to be like?' It seems that with every new generation we are getting further and further away from displays of respect. That's not to say there aren't several individuals who are kind and respectful, but with every new school year it seems I encounter more individuals who aren't so kind, who are so thoughtful.

But we make the world around us the way we want. Perhaps we need the "Kind People Rock" bumper sticker and more? I'm glad I am not alone in feeling this way. And I'm glad you ended your day on a positive note. That always helps me to let the grudge against rude people melt away.

[Kim Zook]

Sign me up for your "Kind People Rock" bumper sticker Lisa! It will be the first one I've every found worthy to put on my car.

We're currently living here on Vancouver Island. I must admit, however, that we've had more experiences here with kind people going out of there way than we have had while living in other parts of North America. But all it takes is one rude person to sour the day.

As a high school teacher I've often asked myself 'what is the next generation going to be like?' It seems that with every new generation we are getting further and further away from displays of respect. That's not to say there aren't several individuals who are kind and respectful, but with every new school year it seems I encounter more individuals who aren't so kind, who are so thoughtful.

But we make the world around us the way we want. Perhaps we need the "Kind People Rock" bumper sticker and more? I'm glad I am not alone in feeling this way. And I'm glad you ended your day on a positive note. That always helps me to let the grudge against rude people melt away.