59 Guests Who Were So Entitled And Horrible They Might Make Your Blood Boil

While rudeness may be an isolated personality trait, it could also be a response to the current state of things. Division, political turmoil, and the feeling of constant threat may bring out the worst in people. 

It was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, which, according to psychologist Bernard Golden, led to increased mental health struggles, which may have manifested in rude behavior.

“We’re going through a time where physiologically, people’s threat system is at a heightened level,” Golden said in a 2021 interview with Time Magazine. “Half the people fear COVID. Half the people fear being controlled.”

Feelings of powerlessness and frustration may also drive a person to act like a jerk toward someone else. According to Stanford University psychiatry professor Dr. Hans Steiner, it is especially true when they are being told to do the right thing. 

“People feel almost entitled to be rude to people who are not in a position of power,” Dr. Steiner said in the same interview with Time.

Looking at these images may make you wonder whether the person who committed such rude acts is aware of their misbehavior. In case you’re confused, a few etiquette experts spoke to Southern Living to share the rudest things you can do at a dinner party. 

One of the six things mentioned was bringing up a polarizing topic, such as politics, which some people still get into.

According to event planner and AmosEvents owner Amos Gott, gently shifting the conversation once it gets tense is the best course of action to relieve the awkwardness that may arise by discussing off-limits topics. 

“Ask about a recent trip, a recipe on the table, or a shared interest,” Gott said. “If the guest persists, it’s fine to say, ‘Let’s keep things light tonight.’ Tone is everything—keep it warm and inclusive.”

Your arrival and departure times at the host’s home also matter. Shi Shi Events owner Gina Jokilehto says arriving too early may leave the host feeling pressured to entertain you while still finishing party prep. When it comes to arriving late, she advises making a courtesy call more than 15 minutes late. 

Jokilehto also urges taking hints when it’s time to leave. Examples of such cues include the host turning off the music or starting to clean up. As she notes, “Take the hint, thank your host, and make your way home.”