Condescending Attitude

You can spot a condescending attitude a mile away! Not only can you recognize it in someone else but when it's directed at you--you can feel belittled and then defensive. Who wouldn't?
The problem is many people don't even know they are doing it--probably because they have been doing it for so long, it's become a habit for them. For others, they may not have been trained in social skills--empathy being one of them.
I was delivering some papers to a person who was seated at her desk. I said, "excuse me, I have these papers for you" and this person momentarily looked up and then looked back at what she was working on.
The hairs on my neck began to rise and I could feel my pulse increase. I said, "excuse me" with a little more intention and a lowered tone and she put her palm out to receive the papers. She did this without looking up.
This really made me mad. I could feel my blood pressure rising! But then I caught myself. I immediately re-evaluated the situation and said to myself:
"Just because she is being rude and condescending doesn't mean I have to play at her level."
I chose differently. I turned around to leave and wished her a good day. I caught her out of the corner of my eye as she looked up in shock that she wasn't able to suck me into her game.
I don't feel sorry for people like this. I feel sorry for the people who have to put up with her. I feel sorry for the organization that is being held hostage by her. I feel sorry for her family and friends who might see the good in her but only experience the bad/condescending behavior.
She has a bias and I won't attempt to change it; I will attempt to give her as much grief as I can by wishing her well and sending her silent prayers. To me, this is the best payback.