Pissing People Off -

This is bound to happen some day.  We simply cannot always placate everyone else.  

For many years, I tried.  It is in my nature to try.  Often to a fault.  Lots of other people simply always look out for "number 1" without any equivocation.

But it also turns out that some interactions really are zero sum game, and in those situations, you basically offer a different person comfort at your expense.  This is okay sometimes, surely, and expected.  There are a number of situations where it is expected that we relinquish seats, slow down, or otherwise help. 

There are other situations, though, when our desires are strictly opposed by others, and the only way to get what we desire, or need, is to not put others first.  It isn't always pleasant.  For me it isn't pleasant.

The point is not to do so gratuitously. Stick up for yourself without inflicting damage or causing unnecessary future harm.

Be careful, though (see, even now, I am putting myself second): outrage is an easy trigger for us all.  It binds us into and against others, and offers tunnel vision.