The main thing rudeness will do is wrest control of your words and actions away from you. Rudeness will cause you to say and to do things that are in no one's interest.

When you are confronted with the rudeness of another, you have the opportunity to contribute positive value to the situation. Choose to respond with sincere respect and to show how truly polite you can be.

Being polite and respectful won't always improve the situation, but it will always leave you with no regrets, knowing that you put your best face forward. And it will give you a distinct advantage should you happen to encounter the same person again.

Instead of engaging in a contest to prove how petty you can be, seek to demonstrate how reasonable, understanding and in control you truly are. When the urge to be rude comes over you, redirect that intense energy toward a positive end for all concerned.

You always can choose to be in control. The more often you make that choice, the more life will unfold to your liking.