Last week I received my first hate comment here on Who Stole My Stapler. After searching the internet for the “name” of the person that left the comment, I very quickly determined that this asshole makes a hobby out of leaving asshole comments that have little to nothing to do with the actual post.
So I deleted his comment.
I find it mildly disappointing that I can’t hit a delete key to magically erase other assholes from my life. Not that there are really all that many because I think I have really brushed up my skills in the department of detecting and ditching asshole types from my life. But sometimes you just cannot escape being in their presence. Sadly, assholes are everywhere. From the internet to our neighborhoods and even *gasp* our workplaces.
So what’s a girl to do when she wants an asshole-free existence? Who Stole My Stapler now presents….
KathyHowe’s tips for living an asshole-free life:
- Kill ‘em with kindness. OK. I confess. Kindness won’t ACTUALLY kill them but 9 times out of 10 an asshole that is treated with sugary sweetness will buckle quickly.
- Don’t engage. Responding to assholetry with more assholetry is like adding a truckload of dirt to a mole hill. I see a mountain in your future. Go read Dana’s well-written post on why we respond the way we do and where it gets us.
- Remember that everyone is entitled to their opinion. Their version of reality does not have to be yours. Embrace diverse ideas.
- When resistance is futile and you feel you absolutely MUST respond share your response with a (mostly, somewhat, kinda sorta) unbiased 3rd party. After sharing your response with them you may feel better and not need to respond to the original asshole. The other possibility here is that the (mostly, somewhat, kinda sorta) unbiased 3rd party might have an approach or perspective that you have not considered.
For tips on dealing with Office Politics (and ultimately difficult people) check out 7 Habits to Win In Office Politics, by Lawrence Cheok.
Be sure to watch this video!!!
Sorry about the asshole’s comment. Happy you exercised your powers to delete!
Diane | March 3rd, 2008 at 9:18 am
They’re an inescapable fact of modern life, unfortunately, unless you never leave the house - and that’s no guarantee either, if you’re unlucky enough to live with one!
Sorry the asshole found you here, but thanks for the tips they inspired!
Florinda | March 3rd, 2008 at 12:31 pm
some people will do anything for any kind of attention. i can’t wait to check out the links!! thank you! (you know, for interest, not because i have anyone in my work place that fits those descriptions… no, no, not at all…)
Kate | March 3rd, 2008 at 1:55 pm
I told my son just about that very thing (”Sadly, assholes are everywhere. From the internet to our neighborhoods and even *gasp* our workplaces.”). He was trying to talk me into a private high school instead of the public one. He said he wanted to make a fresh start and get away from some other kids. I told him “assholes are everywhere” … and I don’t generally swear in front of my 14 year old, so he knew that I really meant it. We talked about what was troubling him… and public school is just fine now!! I gave him some tips on ignoring the jerks and, combined with the skills he is learning at martial arts, he holds his head up high and lets the assholes vanish from his day!!
Faith | March 3rd, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I love your list! I showed it to my boss today.
-d
-d | March 3rd, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Hey! I love your attitude. You should share your opinions at thesociallyaware.com!
Dulce69 | March 4th, 2008 at 5:55 pm