When annoyed...

[JackVk]

I’ve already told everyone how much I dislike my college, but this is a general question. As I’m writing this, some guy a few tables away is shouting, swearing, and making a scene. I know you’re not supposed to hate, but is it wrong to be irritated when someone is being objectively obnoxious?

By nature, whenever “that guy” is near, I am tempted to tell him to shut up. Instead, I grab my iPod and crank my music up loud, so I don’t have to listen to him.

 

[illmatic]

Try to convert your anger into something positive… even if that is just telling him to get a hold of himself. Don’t be mean I guess.

 

[baltobetsy]

Where do people get the idea that Catholics are not allowed to have reactions and feelings and emotions like normal human beings?

Any normal person would be annoyed by that kind of behavior. As long as you are not abusive in return, or filled with self-satisfied pride that you don’t act that way, you have not sinned. You could take the really high road and go to the guy and offer help, or you could pray for him, or you could leave the area, or you could crank up your music. Any of these is acceptable.

 

[GratefulFred]

Jack,

Your serenity prayer applies.

If you choose to approach him, remember the Commandment to love requires we use tact and diplomacy. Displaying anger or trying to act like the police has a low probability of success.

You could choose to patient, or to move to a quiet area, or seek the intervention of someone in charge of the area.

You could just try to make a friend without even mentioning the offending language. He might behave better when he knows he is among friends.

You would also be wise to say a silent prayer for him and for yourself for the times you may have been irritating without realizing it. We’ve been there. It is only a matter of degree and awareness.

 

[Newbie2]

I experience this problem frequently at sporting events.

On one hand, I’d like to ask these sorts of individuals how they are doing or did in english class. That would probably get a quizical look. The follow-up is then to ask if they could please find a more educated way of expressing themselves. Usually works better on middle-aged adults who should know better, but the questions in order are:

Where did you go to college?

Did you graduate?

Excellent! Good for you. Maybe you can use your education to come up with a better way of expressing yourself?

On the other hand, some people are just jackholes and want attention. I’ve had some success in engaging them in conversation, which sometimes gives them the attention they crave and distracts them from performing their Jerk act.

On the third hand, sometimes it’s a lesson in patience, as has been said. It’s not wrong to be irritated by another’s rude, obnoxious, etc. behavior.