I can't count how many people I've witnessed behaving very rudely in public (usually to someone working service or retail who has a job requirement to be polite and patient), and wondered if they thought behaving that way was a sign of strength.

Rudeness is also then a form of bullying.

I_T_W!...

that really pisses me off and makes the rude one look like a real asshole. Unfortunately, they never get it.

And the poor service person can't say "boo" back to the asshole.

I often wish I were more of a confrontational person myself so I could speak up and tell the asshole that s/he IS being an asshole.

At least the business can't fire me. What are they going to do...ban me from their business for sticking up for their employee?

When I was 16 I worked at a Burger King. On a ridiculously busy day, some guy lost it and started screaming at me. He called me 'whore' 'slut' 'idiot', etc. The lobby was packed full of people in shock until one guy pushed himself through and just ripped the guy a new asshole. His face was beet red, veins popping out, looked like he wanted to punch the guy in the face. The 'good' guy looked like the typical former football player. The 'bad' guy was an older retired or light businessman. The crowd then joined in and tore the guy to shreds (verbally, not physically. ). He left and every single person that walked up to my register was just beaming at me. Telling me how proud they were that I didn't lose my cool. Awesome day.

Today, I do the same for every teenager, fast food worker, restaurant employee, service worker or any other person that is being attacked for no fucking reason than some asshole wants to be a tough guy. I'm damned good at public shaming and I'll do it in a heartbeat.

I also hold doors for teenagers. Okay, I do it mostly for the reaction. But, it makes them smile and hopefully makes them realize that not everyone over 40 is an ass. Not once have I done so and not received a 'thank you' (I've got a few really cute stories related, but I ramble-obviously). Hold the door for an elderly lady/man...it's a crapshoot whether they'll acknowledge your existence.