Ever notice how people behave differently on planes? Recently, I saw a passenger snap his fingers at a flight attendant, demanding his drink. Meanwhile, another traveler thanked her by name and helped with the overhead bin. These moments reveal a lot about us.
Understanding Our Actions in the Air
How we treat flight attendants can reflect our upbringing. Usually, when we’re tired or stressed, our true selves emerge.
1. Relationship with Authority Figures
Do you respect flight attendants’ authority, or do you challenge them? Your reaction often reflects how you related to authority as a child. If you grew up in a home where questions weren’t welcomed, you might comply or rebel against rules. Those raised with collaboration often treat flight attendants as equals.
2. Attitude Towards Service
How do you view service workers? If you were taught to ignore or belittle them, you might overlook flight attendants. In contrast, those who learned to value everyone treat service workers with respect. I once watched a child thank a flight attendant for a simple juice box—what a lesson in kindness!
3. Asking for Help
Can you easily ask for assistance, or do you hesitate? Children who were told they were a burden often struggle to seek help as adults. Conversely, those who had their needs met without hesitation might expect instant service now. Finding a balance is key.
4. Handling Rules
How do you react to rules? If your childhood was chaotic, you might test limits as an adult. Research by psychologist Diana Baumrind shows that children raised with clear boundaries usually follow rules without fuss.
5. Expressing Gratitude
Watch how people thank flight attendants. Genuine gratitude often stems from homes that value appreciation. If you didn’t grow up with this practice, you might struggle to express thanks.
6. Acknowledging Humanity
Do you see flight attendants as people with their own struggles? If your upbringing fostered empathy, you’re likely to connect with them as human beings. Simple gestures, like asking about their day, can make a big difference.
7. Dealing with Inconvenience
Flights can be delayed, drinks can run out, and seats might not recline. How you react shows how you learned to manage disappointment as a child. Those taught to express emotions healthily tend to remain calm, understanding that flight attendants cannot control every situation.
8. Entitlement vs. Respect
Your behavior on a plane can show whether you feel entitled or earned your privileges. Those raised to appreciate their resources often treat service workers with respect. Recognizing the difference can change the way we interact while flying.
Final Thoughts
Air travel brings out our true selves, shaped by our upbringing. The good news is, these patterns aren’t set in stone. You can choose how to respond. That snapping passenger? Perhaps he learned that demanding often works. But he could change his approach and treat flight attendants with the respect every person deserves.
Next time you fly, reflect on your responses. Do they align with the person you want to be? Every interaction is a chance to redefine how you treat others.
Understanding these behaviors can lead to a kinder, better experience for everyone in the sky.
