((Nick Galifianakis for The Post))

Ready to ‘throw up my hands’ and quit being polite

Dear Carolyn: This has been building for years now, but I feel nearly depleted by the lack of consideration and basic manners in society. I’m forever stepping off the sidewalk so people can walk two abreast, or saying “thank you” to cashiers who literally don’t say a word to me, or waving the other person through when there’s confusion at a four-way stop. And it feels like no one ever does any of that for me. I let the person with a few items go ahead of me at the store, or wait patiently when someone has trouble parking. No one lets me go ahead, and I get honked at. I’m in my 50s and certainly not a saint, but I’m so tired of giving others consideration that’s rarely extended to me.

How do I not throw up my hands and just become the type of person I resent? It sounds more appealing than being walked on all the time.

— Tired of Being Polite

Carolyn’s been writing her advice column for two decades. Explore the archives below.