Dan Seaborn
Basically, no matter where you go for your news or entertainment, you’ll find stories and examples of people who have failed to control their anger in a given moment. In fact, lots of people seem to make their living by stoking fear and anger in others. No matter how normalized that stuff might be when we’re looking online or when we’re watching our news or sports coverage, seeing anger when we’re out and about in public is still a pretty strange and unsettling thing.
Why do people allow outbursts of profanity and rudeness in their own homes, but are shocked and mortified when they witness a similar tirade by someone else? Why are we quick to criticize the outrageous actions of others when we know something similar is happening in our own home? It’s probably the people throwing the biggest stones who regularly practice the kind of behavior they profess to despise in others.
I believe there are a number of reasons that people are more tolerant with those they love. They have seen a softer side of those people at some point and are hopeful they will eventually change. They are dependent on them and fear alienation from them. They’ve tolerated it for so long, the behavior seems normal. They have become numb to the harsh words, sarcastic tones, and abrasive manner, so they no longer have the same perspective on that behavior.
It’s important for your own sanity, as well as for the well-being of those in your family, to take a stand and stop any rude or unkind behavior that is occurring. If you are indignant when you read about or witness disrespect from public figures, then why do you let it slide in your home?
Unfortunately, when these types of actions are modeled, they are typically copied by others. When a parent is allowed to act in this way, children tend to grow up mimicking what they witnessed. It’s as contagious as a cold or flu. And if it’s not treated, it will infect a family for generations to come.