At one time or another, we all have to deal with arrogant, inconsiderate or just plain ignorant jerks.

I learned a great lesson about this way back when I was a flight attendant and this week, I was grateful once again for the wise words shared with me so long ago.

On the plane, we had a video system that was located in an overhead bin above the last seat in the coach cabin. On every flight, we had to play a video of the safety features of the plane prior to take off and then we had to play another one right after take off.

It was a bit of an intrusion for whatever passenger happened to be sitting there because we were fiddling around just over their head.

There was this one flight where we had been number 110 for take off out of New York’s JFK airport. The weather was bad and we were running about 5 hours late. Needless to say, everyone (including the crew) was in a foul mood!

On this particular flight, I was in charge of playing the required videos and I will never forget what happened when I did. I got up from my seat and went to put in the after take-off video. Suddenly, the grown man (I’d say he was 50-ish) sitting under that overhead stood up and launched a full verbal attack on me. He was pointing his finger in my face, screaming profanities and he just kept going on and on. Honestly, I don’t even remember what the heck he said, I was so freaked out that it was all scary noise to me.

What I do remember is I started crying. I was 24 years old and just doing my job. I was so caught off-guard and horrified by the abusive actions toward me from this complete stranger – and a seemingly mature grown man at that!

Right then, a very senior flight attendant heard the yelling and screaming and she came flying out of the galley and went off on the man. I remember her saying, “What is wrong with you? Sit down and behave yourself. Now!”

Surprisingly and thankfully, he listened.

Then she led me to the back of the plane and said these words…

Be thankful that he is not your husband or your father. After this flight, you never have to see him again.

Over the many years since that moment, I have heard her wise words in so many situations. It was the sage advice that we just cannot take these things personally and I got to use this gift again this week when I got my first bad review on my podcast – The Beauty Biz Show.

Here it is:

I will be honest at first it stung. I have worked so hard on the show. I have spent so many hours finding people to interview. I have spent a lot of money on a producer to make sure it sounds professional. I’m proud of my hard work and I know our industry is hungry for these stories.

I did take this personally – for about 60 seconds ☺

After doing a bit of research and looking at this guy’s other reviews, I see that he doesn’t seem to like much of what he spends his time listening to…

He’s not exactly a ‘neutral’ reviewer. My guess is that he isn’t in the beauty biz industry so perhaps I should be flattered that he chose to listen to my podcast in the first place!

We are all entitled to our opinions. Personally if something didn’t float my boat I would just move on and find something that did, but some people feel the need to spew negative energy – they get a thrill from playing the antagonist. And those of us on the receiving end of the venom, have to find a way be ok with it because it’s not something we are able to change.

What helped me quickly get over this was:

1. I reminded myself of those wise words from so long ago… thank god he’s not my husband or father (or anyone else I have to be around regularly).
2. I scrolled through all the beautiful things that other listeners have said and continued on with my day with a smile back on my face.

Look, here’s what I have learned along the way…  If you put yourself out there where people can see what you are doing,  you will inevitably come in contact with people who don’t like what you do and feel the need to express their dissatisfaction. Bad reviews are just part of being in the service-based industry game.

So, the next time someone bashes you from behind a keyboard, don’t take it personally. Instead, focus on the good things in your life, move on and keep showing up as your beautiful self to serve those who appreciate you.

Be thankful it’s not your husband or your father and just let it go.