I will approach this from a financial perspective. I feel our society is too forgiving. Some people get upset over their half-caf, low-fat, soy latte not having enough foam. But when is it within your rights to become rude and “lose it” when handling your finances?
I must put up a prologue. I have noticed something interesting. The people I have been most rude to in my life either come back to “haunt” me. They often become my best friends. Again, I don’t want to sound like I am condoning being rude for its own sake. I mean, when do you need to be more assertive with people who are being disrespectful to you?
Here are a few situations in that I think you should be more assertive (maybe not "lose it," but certainly stand up for yourself):
- When your bank thinks they can charge you $13.95 a month in a "service plan" to have the privilege of using their bank. Remember, Don't Be Afraid to Change. You should not be paying for banking. You need to point out the number of banks out there that offer this service for free.
- When you are owed money and someone is refusing to pay you your money. I am experiencing that right now. The dealership offered to pay for my rental car after I complained to their parent company. My van broke down, and I have yet to see any money. Now I will call and be polite, but I will also not take NO for an answer either.
- When someone is trying to take money from you, they don't deserve it. There are so many people in this world like this, including telemarketers, scam artists, door-to-door beggars, and others. A polite but strong NO is needed.
- When referees at basketball games don't know how to call an offensive foul on an obvious charge! (no wait, that was for my basketball coaching blog, sorry).
So, I guess I answered my own question with, "Don't ever "lose it." You have every right to be assertive, strong-willed, and even a little "short" with folks. However, remember to be polite, too. As you sow, so shall you reap, folks.
