How to Deal with Unhappy People

They're everywhere. You are bound to run into them whether it be at a gas station or over the phone when you are trying to order a pizza. The miserable people who are insistant on everyone they encounter experiencing their miserable day along with them. I refuse to let them get the best of me though. I almost always am able to make them smile.

In the checkout line at the grocery store, there is always the person who does not want to be there or be working at that moment. Do not let their irritable gestures towards you make you reply in the same. Instead, ask them how they are doing or if they are having a rough day. This will let them know that you are not trying to make their day worse. If you are not in a hurry, ask what is bothering them. They will most likely let you know and this will help them vent. Usually upon learning why they are acting the way they are, it will help you to not feel angry about their cruelty. You can assure them that you understand and give them encouragement instead. People always have reasons for acting the way they do. This does not excuse them for their cruelty, but a simple gesture such as asking how their day is going can make their day a little better. After all, we have all had those days.

One time when I was at a restaurant placing my order to go, the girl taking my order was not rude to me, but she made it very clear that she was irritable. I asked her if she was having a bad day and she informed me that her husband was in the military and would be gone for quite a while. He had just left that day and she was very upset by it. I was once in that situation and I could relate to her pain. I informed her that I understood and I had been there. She felt better by talking through it with me. By the time I left, she was smiling.

There is a saying, "hurting people hurt other people." Rather than allowing yourself to be hurt by hurting people, try to make their day better.