Folks,

As many of you know I am trying to become a kinder person, and overall I think I'm doing OK. This week I've had to deal with surly RMV employees, surly insurance agents and a girl who ran me over in her car. In all cases I kept it together and didn't get aggravated - whoops, except for the huge curse-filled tantrum I threw when my bike got hit. But give me a break, right?

But damn it, people make it hard, don't they? The amount of rudeness in our culture is bordering on insane. Small example; this morning I went to the MIT coffee shop to buy a muffin and a drink. I got what I came for and then patiently waited in line while everyone in front of me got their coffee. I was late and it was a slow line, with everyone was kibbutzing and dragging things out, but I was cool. These are the small things I refuse to get aggravated about anymore.

Anyway, suddenly I get bumped from behind and this woman rushes past me. At first I thought there was an emergency but then I realized what was going on; she's a professor. Excuse me for generalizing, but professors - especially at prestigious universities - are some entitled feeling motherfuckers. Not only did she not say "excuse me" for bumping me but she also just threw some money on the counter and started to leave.

I spoke up "excuse me, but that was very rude. You almost knocked me over, didn't apologize and cut a long line" to which she said "hmmmpphhh, I have a class" and took off. Her complete lack of manners started the familiar throbbing behind my eyes and it took all I had to not curse her out and cause a scene. I mean, if we were at a rock club I wouldn't push her out of the way to get to the stage. Damn. Manners, people. They aren't hard.

These are the little things that will eventually give me a stroke.