How Confrontational Are You?

[Kevy Baby]

It may just be an issue of semantics, but if someone is doing something 'wrong' I say something with a tone of expectation that they will correct their action. At that point it is up to them to make a choice.

For example, a kid cut in line in front of GC, CM and others at a US trip last year. I basically said (in some sort of fashion) that his action was inappropriate. I did not yell or threaten. I simply let him know that what he was doing was wrong and did not back down. I did not tell the kid he had to leave - I let him make that decision on his own.

Admittedly, being a big guy is also helpful. I never threaten anyone with my size. But I am not hesitant to let people know that should they elect to use a physical resolution, the odds may not be in their favor.

[Gemini Cricket]

Kevy used what I called a 'father voice'. He did it rather well.

[Morrigoon]

I'll tell off a line-cutter, but I probably wouldn't have said anything about the makeup. Unless I had an opportunity to cut into their conversation (eg join in to "help" this kid find her colors) and in the process point out that she needs to be looking for the ones labeled "Tester". But that'd be a rare incident, indeed.

So I guess I'm vocal if it directly affects me, or if it's someone in my party committing the offense, less so if it doesn't. I'm not observant enough to actually catch someone stealing, so I haven't had occasion to see how I'd react in that environment. In general, I've adopted the attitude that it's not my responsibility to teach the world.

I didn't use to be like that, however. I used to tell everyone what's what. Quite the PITA, really. Nah, even then it had to affect me, now that I think about it.

[lizziebith]

I tend to avoid confrontation, as it makes me feel icky, but I've got the matching constitutional component of not letting most stuff get to me. Still, when I'm tired, and especially while traveling, my ID takes over.

Last year I flew over 15 times (too much for me) and near the end of that we got a 4-year-old with severe parental issues (read on) and confinement issues in the row behind us. Kicking constantly. Kick. Kick. Writhe, kick. Squirm. Kick. Kick. His mommy didn't want to upset him though! She gently offered that he "might" want to put on his seatbelt over and over and over and over and... She never told him he had to...she suggested he might "wish to."

Anyway, two hours into having our kidneys kicked and listening to this pathetic excuse for a parent I'd had it -- I whirled around and said: "KNOCK IT OFF."

Well the poor baby must have looked so...chastised! Because Mommy quickly assured him that "some people were never children, honey."



I had to stop and just grind my teeth at that point because I realized I was dealing with a RANK IDIOT. And its spawn.

BTW I would pay more (and I'm a mom) to fly on child-free flights. Pet-free too. Stupid yappy dogs...but that's another story.