Rules Made To Be Broken

Why Some People Feel Like They Don't Have To Follow Rules

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

I've been getting so frustrated with the human race lately. It seems that everywhere I go people are just rude. The other day in the grocery store "10 items or less" line, the woman in front of me had at least 15 items, but for some reason felt as if she deserved to be in that line. The rules are made for a reason! Why do so many people think they're entitled and are allowed to break the rules?

Sincerely,

Rules Are For a Reason

A:

Dear Rules Are For a Reason,

There are lots of reasons people think that they don't have to follow rules, and it's true that many people feel a sense of entitlement these days. 

*Narcissism - Some people decide to go into the 10 items or less stand with 15 items because they think that they are more important than other people, and that the rules don't apply to them.

* Contrarians - Some people hate all rules and will disobey authority whenever possible.

* Rationalizing - Some people figure that it's okay to roll through a stop sign because it's 4 a.m. and there are no cars on the street anywhere. This is different than narcissism because their primary reason for making the decision is based in what's okay in the moment -- not on being the one and only one who's important.

* Desire - Some people know they're doing the wrong thing, but they want something so much, they'll do anything to get it. For instance, someone may know it's wrong to take more expensive and empty seats at a ball game or a theater event, but they want to see the performance so much, that they don't care what they have to do to get closer.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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