What have you learned from your travels about dealing with people that you apply to your everyday life?

Question

Especially dealing with difficult people...

Answer 1

I am a social worker, I work in a shelter.
I have been to Cuba a few times and no matter what town I go to and who I meat they are the most hospitable humble people I have ever met. And it has nothing to do with Castro forcing them to be nice to tourists. They get up everyday at 5am and travel for 2-4 hours everyday to work then they work from between 6 - 8 am in the morning until 10pm or later and then travel the 2-4 hours home. Add to that the fact that even if they get a university education as many do they can't use it because there are no jobs for them other than to work on a resort. But they do it everyday all year around sometimes not seeing their own families for weeks. All for the equivalent of $10 -$15 a month US/Can.
After that I have no right to complain about having to work the odd weekend or night shift and having to sit an extra 20 minutes in trafic inside my new $30,000 car, on my way to the job that pays me over $50,000 a year. With the money and freedom to travel to exotic countries when ever I want.
I also use this when I hear clients comlaining about the meal they get or the clothing they get etc... By tactfully reminding them that even though not everythig is exactly what we need or want to fix our situation, at least we have places in our country where if people are in need they can go for help.

Answer 2

A smile and a friendly face can change others attitudes. For instance, in Europe Americans have a certain reputation for being impatient and rude. I've learned that if I smile and make an effort to speak a few words in their native tongue, it really helps to change their attitude.

Answer 3

differant attitudes and intonations can have polar meanings in two differant places, so the lesson i've taken there so that i can better relate with people is to try and understand why someone is saying something, as opposed to only listening to what they are saying... communication is ficle (sp?)

Answer 4

To be respectful of other cultures. Also, take the time to learn/read about other culture's traditions to better understand how (and why) we are different.

Answer 5

to not judge people by the way they dressed, the food they eat and their accent, to celebrate our differences and to be thankful for all that I have.

Answer 6

I try and not post on YAHOO answers because it might be a violation...lol