Ways to Deal With Immature Adults at Important Events

Life/Recreation - People

By: IzzyDuncan 14-Feb-2011

Introduction:

Everyone knows at least one person who is an adult but fails to act like one during important events. We all like to let loose at times and act like kids, but there is a time and place for everything. Stupid behavior in times of trouble does not lighten the atmosphere, it makes the situation tense. Quickly nip inappropriate behavior with a few simple actions.

Quiet Chat

Quite chat involves approaching the annoying person quietly and stating the fact that the behavior is attracting unnecessary attention. This should be done with care not to anger the person. State the problem in simple terms and use the term "please" to ask for different behavior.

Public Embarrassment

If the Quite Chat approach doesn't work, public embarrassment may be in order. Again, if there is any chance that the person will become physically violent, don't use this approach. A statement to the assembled group that the person's behavior is out there should be enough to give the offender pause.

Distract the Immature Adult

If the immature adult's behavior is directed at a particular person or action, move the person to another location at the party, away from the person or event. This should be done with finesse so the person is not aware of the action.

Talk to Associates

If the annoying person came with others to the event or activity, quietly approach the person's friends or associates and ask them to take the person home. Explain the problem without emotional attachment for greater success.

Simple Request

If you've tried all the other suggestions and the immature adult still doesn't get it, appropriate behavior is probably not in the adult's behavior repertoire. They've been a jerk so long that they've forgotten how to act in an appropriate manner. You're also taking for granted that the adult ever learned proper behavior.

This step is best used after the quiet chat: Simply ask the person to leave the event. Explain that you've been nominated to approach the person and ask them to leave due to inappropriate and destructive behavior. It's a tough love approach, but something that can be used if you believe the person will continue to annoy, if allowed to stay.

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Comments

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Ginae 5/1/2011
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Sure enough!
litetender 3/31/2011
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It's funny ... as I read your list, I thought several times how these are pretty much the same ways you'd deal with a child acting up! LOL! H5!
ElaineChastain 3/1/2011
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"...appropriate behavior is probably not in the adult's behavior repertoire" You couldn't have said it any better. Some people are just jerks for life.
PriscillaBenfield 2/21/2011
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Good suggestions. It is pretty sad how often adults who should know better lack proper social etiquette.
workhomeunion 2/18/2011
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A tough spot for anyone to be in to have to approach that jerk at a social event. Good luck, nice ideas.
BigD 2/16/2011
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Good suggestions for dealing with jerks.
BonnieDossKnight 2/15/2011
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Totally gracious of you to call these jerks "immature". Most of the time, it's best to skip to #4. Or, leave well enough alone! HI5