Do you believe in the phrase,more with sugar than with vinegar?

[Ruth n Jersey]

I always try to be polite and courteous when speaking to other people. Even if I have a complaint I try to have a positive attitude and not be rude. Lately my hubby has become a bit cocky when speaking to other people. I notice a change in the expression of the person he is addressing. I also have a friend who is a really nice person but comes across so stand offish.She is always complaining about the service she receives and how people are so unwilling to help her. I have found that most of the time being nice to folks really helps in any situation and I don't get myself worked up as much. I have actually told people to please forgive me if I get a bit upset. I know it is not their fault and they only work for the company I am calling about. Of course there is always the exception to the rule. Some people you can't reason with.

 

[SeaBreeze]

I try to be polite too even when I have a complaint about something. Usually the person you're talking to will respond in a similar way. So if you start out nice, chances are they'll be nice also, at least that's what I've experienced. Of course, if you jump on them with an attitude, they will get defensive and act the same way. I always try to keep in mind that when I'm talking to a store employee about something, maybe that's in their ad and is not in the store, that they are not the ones at fault, the manager usually is. I think it's true, you can get more with honey/sugar than vinegar. :bee:

 

[Ruthanne]

I think it's true Ruth. Whenever I speak with people on the phone about services I am polite and even joke around a little and make them laugh, too. I have gotten very good results with it like getting my cable bill reduced and feeling good about the way we did it. It's also true that some people can be unreasonable at times.

 

[chic]

I think so too. It's better to be polite. But there are certain situations and people that require a forceful attitude.

 

[Aunt Bea]

If I initiate the conversation I try to be calm and polite otherwise you take me as you find me.

 

[aeron]

Depends on situation. Too often especially young people associate grey hair with advancing senility and courtesy with weakness. I seldom start nasty but can and do in an instant. Very nasty when needed.

 

[Laurie]

I'm personally not familiar with it, but it seems to fill the same bill as "The soft answer turneth away wrath", or perhaps, "Courtesy costs nothing" both of which I subscribe to.