On: How to fend off a jerk

[xyzzy4]

Well the most important thing to remember is the Golden Rule. You should treat others as you would wish to be treated in their situation.

[Joeboy → xyzzy4]

How do you want to be treated when you're being a dick to service workers for no reason?

[xyzzy4 → Joeboy]

Probably with respect?

[Joeboy → xyzzy4]

Should I treat gratuitously unpleasant people with more respect than other people?

[xyzzy4 → Joeboy]

No, the same amount, but also try to spend less time interacting with them if possible.

[kgwxd → xyzzy4]

I wouldn't want other people trying to spend less time with me.

[xyzzy4 → kgwxd]

Well the way the universe works is people can't spend time with everyone else concurrently.

[TeMPOraL → xyzzy4]

I like the version from [0] more - "Do unto others 20% better than you would expect them to do unto you, to correct for subjective error."

[0] - http://blog.jaibot.com/

[onion2k → xyzzy4]

Don't assume you necessarily have the highest standards, or that everyone's expectations are the same. You should treat others how they wish to be treated because your wishes might be far below their expectations.