In this human garbage can, every social action can take on sinister overtones. Being rude is an implicit threat and a taunt.
In the past, I never noticed line cutters, probably because adults don’t normally have to wait in 15-30 minute lines multiple times per day. Now I entertain violent fantasies about anyone who cuts, even if it’s 20 people ahead, and not directly in front of me.
(It almost makes you want a face tattoo. That’s the easiest way to deter anyone from trying you.)
That’s because getting on the phone takes 30 minutes, at least, after noon, and if you want to get the requisite weight, you need a 15 minute head start to beat the last minute rush. And then the chow lines are another 10 minutes at each line. Worst of all is getting your store bag, which can take over an hour. Basically, 15-20% of your day is waiting in line.
To cut in front of someone directly without saying anything or asking to, is almost like saying, “Fuck you bitch, what now?” It’s an insult lifers stab over.
If they do cut right in front of you, saying “Hey man, there’s a line” solves the problem 99% of the time. Either, 1. they apologize and get behind you or 2. apologize and explain that that’s their dawg.
I’ve never seen another outcome, although I know it happens.
Sometimes I wonder if I’m just burnt and institutionalized, making a big deal of nothing, or if I should just let these little things go.
What’ll drive you crazy is trying to distinguish between ignorant rudeness and blatant disrespect. For your own sanity, be charitable and assume the former.
Otherwise, you risk falling down a rabbit hole, making connections between fatherless homes, a lack of manners, and societal collapse.
Easy Trouble 