Constraint Behaviour

I have a very good friend who would, when we meet with other friends, often say: “We are amongst friends so we can say what we want.” And then he greatly enjoys himself by making plenty of blunt statements, sarcastic comments, and making fun at others’ expense.

Aren’t many of us a little bit like that? In a formal or business situation we put up our best behaviour, are very considerate, and are diplomatic. When we are amongst our loved ones, be it family, close friends, but also close colleagues, we ‘let go’.

When I shared this thought with a friend, he said: “You are correct. I do burp in the presence of my wife. I would never burp in the presence of my business associate.”

When I shared this thought with a manager, she said: “You are correct. I do often yell at my staff. I would never yell at my boss.”

When I shared this thought with a sales professional he said: “You are correct. I often yell at my colleagues when they do something wrong. I would never yell at my customers, when they do something wrong.”

I am not suggesting that it should be the other way around, but don’t the people closest to us, like family or friends, close colleagues, and staff deserve our most respectful behaviour?