BLOG: Grocery Store Rage

What happens to people once they enter a grocery store? 

Time and time again I find that I am on the defensive when I enter a grocery store. Shoppers take up entire aisles with their carts as they peruse the shelves, and when you ask to pass they either ignore you or give you a hostile glare seeming to question ones right to even be in the store. Often times a polite smile and "excuse me" are taken as signs of weakness by these pushy and angry shoppers.

Now, in all fairness, it isn't ALWAYS this way. Recently, after two of these incidents at a local store, I decided that I would not let these people get to me and I would maintain my friendly demeanor and seek out anyone that would return my smile and sure enough, I did encounter a few people who treated me with politeness. So not everyone is in a rage it seems.

What is your experience?  Are shoppers friendly or do you also find many who are seemingly angry?  How are YOU in the grocery store? Friendly? Ambivalent? Intimidated? Hostile?

Lastly, what is the best way to approach people who are seemingly intent on being rude?