"We are entitled brats."

Dan Zac on why a sense of entitlement can wreak havoc on happiness in me, me, it's all about ME.

Broad pronouncement of the week: We are entitled brats.

In real life, we want what we want and we want it now. No delay. No aggravation. No hassle, pain-free, our way, right away.
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Narcissism and entitlement among college students have increased steadily since 1979, according to a study to be published this year in the Journal of Personality.
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The data are clear: The ascent of narcissism and entitlement is dramatic.
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To complement her research, Twenge offers evidence from the field: "I have a 14-month-old daughter, and the clothing available to her has 'little princess,' or 'I'm the boss,' or 'spoiled rotten' written on it. This is what we're dressing our babies in."
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Feeling entitled to something you aren't getting leads to frustration, which leads to bratty behavior and confrontation. Nearly 80 percent of Americans say rudeness -- particularly behind the wheel, on cellphones and in customer service -- should be regarded as a serious national problem, according to a study by the opinion research firm Public Agenda.

Zac then explores some tried and true ways of getting over your inner brat by going to, in tried and true fashion, to a stress expert who recommends practicing relaxation techniques  to turn the frustration of waiting for someone into an opportunity to relax.

Cultivating the habit of being grateful, the attitude of gratitude, will lead to a happier life and much lower levels of entitlement.

Other habits I learned in Sunday School were "offering it up"  and blessing those who were frustrating me, which in the end is simply loving your enemy.    Not a bad way of getting through a three hour flight delay.