Stressful lifestyles, divisive social media, and lockdown have been blamed - but one unpleasant interaction can have a big impact
There has been an increase in road rage incidents, and abuse of shop workers, service staff and GP receptionists in recent years “I was on the bus about a month ago and I needed to get off, so I said ‘excuse me’ to the lady sitting next to me. She responded by shouting at me, calling me ‘impatient’, saying I ‘wasn’t special’, and that I should ‘learn to wait’,” says Hussain, a media officer living in London.
And while the woman’s outburst might sound like the behaviour of a troubled person, many of us have been on the receiving end of a rude stranger – indeed, there are signs we’re less polite to each other than ever., divisive social media, and the isolation of lockdowns have all been suggested as reasons we’re getting ruder. It’s no surprise that London, a city known for its high prices and lack of breathing room, might be at the epicentre of this harsh new reality.
It seems to be happening among children as much as well as adults: a study by the British Medical AssociationPsychologist Mairead Molloy Doyle says the lack of face-to-face contact during Covid, and increased time spent online, has led to people“The lockdowns and social distancing really limited opportunities to socialise, causing frustration and a lack of social norms reinforcement.
“A group of kids pushed on to a packed train without waiting for others to get off,” she explained. “They looked about 12. When my friend rightly told them they’re supposed to wait, they immediately had a go at her.”Why do people attack perfect strangers? Psychologist Sheri Jacobson, founder of Harley Therapy, says: “We are not likely to have any context about what is going on for a stranger. They might be bereaved, intoxicated or aggrieved for specific reasons.
“The next suggestion is to not respond. This is to prevent provocation and unnecessary conflict. There are healthier ways for you to relieve your anger than to argue back – an intense workout , venting to someone close to you about the situation or even muttering to yourself.
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