The “Garbage Truck” Law

Have you ever been cut off mid-sentence for the person to launch into a litany of complaints about things that make you want to run away? Such a meeting can be tiring. These are people best avoided when you are confronted by such individuals.

This concept is popularised with what is known as ‘garbage truck law’ coined by psychologist David Pauley. He told a narrative of an occasion he was inside a taxi in New York when a careless driver was almost involved in an accident and later cursed. Again, to Pauley’s astonishment, the driver of the taxi just smiled, made a gesture to her saying hello, and left. The driver explained: People are like garbage trucks; many of them. They are loaded with frustration, anger, or disappointment, in search of the target to take it out on. The justification of the employer’s liability management Some organizations go to their staff, board of directors, and clients with different ideas Don’t let them unload it on you.

In real life, there are always those people we would describe as the “garbage trucks” out there. For instance, one blogger was at a food court, and a child injured himself close to her and his father hectored him to go to the blogger to seek reimbursement. Instead of that, the blogger just remained cool-headed and did not let the father’s fury get to her.

Just bear in mind that there are always people around who try to stir up arguments. We can’t always alter events, but we always have a measure of power over how and what we respond to. Stepping away isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom. Smile, walk away, and let it be, whenever you are toward the path of happiness.

Thank you for reading!