October is Positive Attitude Month, but a positive attitude doesn’t mean pretending a rude caller didn’t get under your skin. It means refusing to let one person with bad manners set the tone for the rest of your day.
What Counts as a Rude Caller?
A rude caller is someone who is disrespectful, demeaning, or hostile in a way that goes beyond an agreed-upon fantasy and leaves you feeling drained or upset.
Consensual roleplay and genuine rudeness are very different things, and you’re allowed to trust your sense of the difference.
Why Rude Calls Stick With You
Negative experiences are sticky. One unpleasant caller can overshadow a dozen lovely ones, especially if they show up at the start of a shift. That’s a normal human reaction, not a sign you’re too sensitive.
Four Ways to Shake It Off
- Name it. Acknowledge to yourself that it was rude and that it wasn’t about you.
- Use a quick reset ritual. Stretch, step outside, get a glass of water, or put on the song that always fixes your mood.
- Give yourself a buffer. If you can, take a few minutes before the next call.
- Use the tools you have. You can block a customer who crosses the line. It’s remarkably satisfying.
Protecting Your Positive Attitude
A positive attitude isn’t forced cheerfulness. It’s protecting your energy for the callers who deserve it. Let the rude call go, and save your charm for people with better manners.