on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) do you think that is?
The elderly man was making polite conversation, and the man interrupts him, and says that to him to shut him up.
How rude?
2007-08-06 08:50:27 · 31 answers · asked by Reserved 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It is very rude-10.
2007-08-06 08:52:44 · answer #1 · answered by Janice 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I'd give it a 20. If the man was rattling on a little too long there are much better ways to let him know. A general rule of thumb is to keep smiling and being polite, but keep your answers short and clipped, only a word or two. Even if that didn't work, (as long as the conversation was polite) how hard is it to be patient until it's time for one of you to go to the desk? That was beyond rude.
2007-08-06 16:21:12 · answer #2 · answered by Little Girl Blue 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Very rude, some elderly people dont get much company so maybe the elderly man might of just enjoyed a conversation.
My grandparents taught me common courtesy doesn't cost anything, and i believe in what goes around comes around.
One day that man will have someone be rude to him but he wont remember how rude he had been in the past... shame on him
2007-08-06 15:56:52 · answer #3 · answered by angijd 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on how long the line was and how oblivious the elderly guy was to gentle cues that the man doesn't want to chat. If it was a 2 minute line and he said that out of the blue after three sentences of conversation, I'd give it an 8. (At least he didn't actually call the elderly man names or use swear words or something.)
But if he'd been standing in a long windy line for half an hour with a guy who just wouldn't stop talking and leave him to his thoughts, even after being given polite answers to which there's no obvious response, then monosyllabic answers and nonverbal cues to end the conversation (such as showing a great interest in the customs declaration forms or postal information pamphlets) I would have to say it's only a 4 or a 5.
2007-08-06 16:01:40 · answer #4 · answered by Ambivalence 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Rude to the fullest extent of the law. The old man was just making idle chit chat, it wasn't that serious. Forget a 10, that was a 100 on the rude scale.
2007-08-06 15:56:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There's no place for rudeness especially when one is working with the public. I rate it a "0" because there was no need for that postal worker to speak to that man that way. I hope the elderly man reported his rude behavior to the supervisor.
2007-08-06 15:55:32 · answer #6 · answered by Shortstuff13 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quite. The elderly man may be lonely for all the other guy knows and the idle chit chat was something to brighten his day. Rather than be a jerk about it, I'd smile, carry on the conversation, and then politely go my separate way when done.
The guy was a jerk, no two ways about that.
EDIT:
And what's also very rude is a thumbs down for a simple answer. Good grief.
2007-08-06 15:53:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's definitely a 10 -- it broke my heart to read it. When I see an elderly person, I always offer a smile and make myself "available" to them. I always think about older folks who I Iove--parents, grandparents, etc. Since I don't live close-by, I always treat the elderly the way I pray my parents are being treated when they are out and about at the stores (and POST OFFICE). So I just may be the person who makes your parents or grandparents smile one day -- I like the thought of that. When you build a wall like the man in this example has, I don't know what the point of life is anymore. That's not merely rude; it's a sad example of how impersonal and cold this world can be. I'm glad you were kind enough to point this out by asking this question. Perhaps it will make just one other person THINK before being impatient with others...
2007-08-06 15:57:53 · answer #8 · answered by felixthecat 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Yes, very rude. I'm middle aged, and I must admit sometimes slow elderly people whaffling on in front of me in a queue can drive me nuts, but I wouldn't be rude and if one wanted to chat I'd chat back. This guy was just an ill mannered pig.
2007-08-06 15:56:06 · answer #9 · answered by boojumuk 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
That's off-the-scale rude! If I had been there, I might have said to the elderly man: "Well, I am......." and started a polite conversation of my own.
2007-08-06 15:54:35 · answer #10 · answered by kj 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Very Rude.I work at the Post office as the cleaning lady and we have a Great cashier there she talks to everyone and even knows them all by name.People Don't understand how lonely elderly people are.
2007-08-06 15:53:41 · answer #11 · answered by Dew 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋