Guess what? We are really rude and we should stop.
I was born in 1988 and, as a result, I am a “millennial” by almost all definitions of that word. I believe that most of the time we don’t even realize what we’re doing and, as we are the most self-absorbed, entitled generation, we don’t really notice or care that these behaviors are really rude to everyone around us. However, I also believe we are better than this and we can improve ourselves and stop being so rude all the dang time. So, fellow millennials, listen up.
- STOP refusing to commit to plans and wiggling out of them at the last minute. This is two-fold. First of all, stop living a “maybe” life. If someone asks you to do something with them on a specific date at a specific time, either agree or decline. Don’t leave them hanging. That’s rude. If you’re trying to make plans with someone, really make them. Set a date and time. Commit. Stop leaving things open. Stop making plans by frenzied text messages hours before the tentative plans are to occur. That’s rude. If someone invites you to something and asks that you RSVP to that event, RSVP. Don’t ignore it. Don’t wait until the day before and then decide whether you want to go or not. That’s rude. Secondly, if you have committed to plans, follow through on them. If you agree to do something with a friend, or group, or acquaintance, or even someone you kind of hate, do the thing you agreed to do. Don’t make excuses. Don’t push it off the day before. Even if you’re really hungover. Don’t flake out. That’s rude.
- STOP ignoring your text messages. We all know you have your phone 24/7. We all know you saw that text or email or Facebook message or DM and you decided not to respond right away, and then you probably forgot about it. Guess what? That’s rude. Don’t ignore people. If someone is calling (which is weird, I know. I get it.) or texting or otherwise reaching out to you to establish some human connection and interaction, don’t ignore them. Don’t blow them off. Respond. Don’t be rude.
- STOP sharing your opinions just because you have them. Stop hiding abrasive, insulting, or belittling comments behind the guise of honesty and speaking your mind. It is our gift and our curse to have valuable opinions which we hold in very high esteem. Opinions which we cannot bear to keep to ourselves, as doing so would deprive those around us of our deep and meaningful insight. I truly believe that our relentless need to speak our minds is one of the best things about our generation. However, there are times, and they are many, when providing your opinion does nothing to improve a situation or further a dialogue. Times when your opinion’s only result is to make others feel bad. You don’t always have to like things. Sometimes you’ll think something is dumb, or badly written, or unfunny. You don’t always have to share. Sometimes, it’s just rude.
- STOP staring at your phone. I know it’s wonderful. You have so much information, so many connections, right there in that little rectangle. It’s truly magical. But just chill out. If you’re with other people, say, at dinner, don’t look at your phone. Unless you’re expecting a phone call or message from a babysitter or your wife might be going into labor or something, keep it in your pocket — the whole time. Enjoy the time you have with the people present. All that stuff will still be in your phone when you’re done. Ignoring the people who are here, now, trying to connect with you is rude. Don’t be rude.
It’s just four things. We can work on four things! Let’s do this. Let’s stop being so rude.
