originally posted 10th April 2006 - Abusive behaviour

Entry for 10 April 2006 Abusive Behaviour...

It was my first day back to work today following 4 days off. The first thing I noticed was the abusive language and behaviour of clients towards each other and towards staff. Within an hour of arriving, this happened to me simply because I encouraged a client to say "please" when he wanted something before I complied with his request. The 4 days off made me realise how de-sensitized I had become to the foul language used (often with venom) and the abuse exchanged between clients (usually about each others mothers!).

Yesterday, I went for a run with my son and some of his friends. Chatting with them was refreshing, especially to witness the respect and close friendship they have with each other. I was telling one of Craigs friends how much Craig had missed him while he had been on holiday last week. The lad said he had missed Craig too. It is my hearts desire to see this sort of respect and friendship begin to appear in the lads at work. The trouble is, they are very needy and vulnerable. Its difficult to get them to realise that things can be different for them if they try...... I guess I'm back to reality check time again..... this is the client group we work with. I'm on a mission to try and stop them all swearing with every sentence. I have to confess that I used to do this a few years ago, but managed to stop. Its amazing how this simple change in behaviour increases much better moods and feeling of wellbeing. Working around foul language all day does have an effect on me and other staff. They have told me this too.

I realised today that I'm becoming a bit intollerant and need to book some leave from work and recharge my batteries. I don't usually leave it this late for holiday.

Feeling a bit stressed tonight because of all the anti-social behaviour that occured this shift.