Thanks for the stories, myself. You have MUCH more grace and style (and probably wisdom) than I do. I don't tolerate rudeness well. I also have a history of being abused by bullies. So, I'm not as patient, kind and rational as you sound. I take things personally.

In all fairness to me, I do wait to see if people's behavior will change before I report it. For a year I put up with the neighbors in the building next door doing their laundry in the middle of the night before I said anything. But I don't make a good doormat and I hate feeling helpless (when there are obnoxious people around who will mistreat you).

Beacuse I was the victim of so many bullies, growing up, I learned to fight for myself. I wasn't wanted in the home, so no one was fighting for me. I knew, at an early age, that I had to fight or die (there were WAY more of "them" and only one of me). Being a whimpering coward just wasn't in my genes, nor was it an option (I was a ghetto kid. Cowards don't live long in the ghetto). I know no other way to be. I certainly don't set out to be a "Rambo chick," but, after so many bad experiences with neighbors, I do get a bit heavy handed, these days. And respond quickly and defensively. I make no apologies for that. Take enough abuse, and certain personality traits are established. That's who I am now (for better or for worse).