"That is galling, of course. We long to see rude people get their comeuppance. But is it really worthwhile to turn such an incident into a brawl to which you contributed with your few choice words? Apparently, many people think so. Miss Manners has a whole file of readers' letters about altercations in the grocery store line, and they are not just cross because they are hungry."
"When one's sense of basic fairness is violated, indignation runs high. And this seems to be a time when many people are constantly on the defensive. Miss Manners knows that she is creating trouble for herself in suggesting that one choose one's battles—that infractions such as you describe are not worth getting into public fights with strangers."
A grocery store customer experienced frustration when another shopper cut in line by claiming her friend was saving her spot. After the cutter forced past with a full basket, she responded aggressively to criticism, creating a loud public scene that made the original customer appear at fault. Miss Manners acknowledges the legitimate anger from violated fairness expectations but advises against engaging in public altercations over such infractions. She notes that many people feel constantly defensive and seek comeuppance for rudeness, yet such confrontations rarely produce satisfying outcomes and contribute to broader social discord.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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