Why are people so mean?

The flowers are beautiful - enjoy! I've had similar experiences and my husband says I'm like a terrier with a bone - I just won't let 'nasty' or incompetence go, I'm much more vocal and hold my ground in situations he says are not worth the effort. I've thought about this and have decided that its something to do with the ongoing, day to day experience of living with cancer. The ongoing stress of oncology meetings, treatments, waiting for scan and biopsy results etc etc has left me with a short fuse and I have no tolerance for the behaviours you described. I respond very quickly and abruptly and use precise terms, eg, "Your aggressive attitude is both offensive and unnecessary. You have just lost a customer!' I do not provide explanations or apologies for my abrupt manner, by contrast, if I am met with a kind action I make my appreciation known, I always make contact with the checkout attendants, smile at those who sweep floors and collect trollies etc. We hold the keys to maintain our dignity and worth.