Do you act or react?
By Jenaisle
@Jenaisle (16397)
Philippines
August 26, 2025 8:20pm CST
In life, we cannot control other people's behavior; however, we can control our own because we're rational beings with sane minds.
If someone is rude to you, the most common reaction would be to be rude to that person as well. But, consider this, would you change your good behavior to bad and stoop down to her/his level? Why would you compromise your character and become bad because of other people? In this instance, I act and choose to stay respectful.
I believe that life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it. So, I try to keep this in mind, no matter how angry I happen to be. I 'react' to positive situations (giving love for love), and 'act' in negative incidents (showing respect for rudeness).
I don't always succeed, but this has helped me overcome much of the negativity that could burden my heart.
I feel happier as well, because I don't carry the burden of holding grudges and staying angry.
What are your thoughts on this?
6 people like this
7 responses
@rsa101 (40082)
• Philippines
27 Aug
That’s a very stoic way of looking at life. You’re absolutely right—while we can’t control the actions of others, we always have power over our own responses. Choosing respect over rudeness isn’t weakness but strength, a deliberate act of keeping your character intact rather than letting someone else dictate your behavior.
Like true Stoics believed, peace of mind comes not from what happens around us but from how we choose to meet it. By refusing to carry grudges or anger, you protect your inner freedom—and that’s far more valuable than any fleeting satisfaction from “getting even.”
1 person likes this
@luisadannointed (8523)
• Philippines
29 Aug
I tend to give them the same treatment, lol! I try to be cool. But sometimes things must stop, keeping boundaries, speaking to rude people can help and save the day. Imagine if you always talk to them, it is nice to give them a heads up that they are rude and I don't want to be treated that way everyday.
My thoughts? you are right.
1 person likes this
@luisadannointed (8523)
• Philippines
30 Aug
@Jenaisle Nice to know... nowadays I keep praying to God and ask Him always to protect me as I leave the house... that no one will notice me on street by people like them... they really ruin the day.
@cabuyogty (4349)
• Philippines
27 Aug
You can stand up against rude people by ignoring whatever they want to say to you some negative words. Always think positive and do anything that makes you happy.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (200009)
• United States
27 Aug
I am never rude in return. If a checkout clerk is rude, I ask them if they are having a bad day. They usually change their attitude immediately.
1 person likes this
