Big box shopper has a very bad day

DEAR AMY » I just got back from shopping at a big box store. This was after a long week of work, so I was already tired.

In the store, people were pushing the too-big carts around, banging their carts off of each other, and all the while talking loudly on their cellphones.

There were long lines at the checkout, and there was a price issue with one of my items.

When I finally went to my car, I found the car next to me had pulled in so close to my car that I hardly had any room to get into my car and unload my groceries.

In frustration, I banged open my door, leaving a nick in the side of their car.

I feel terrible that I did that and wonder if it was a sign of my stress and impatience, or was this a character flaw, and perhaps I’m really not the nice person people think I am?

— Wondering

DEAR WONDERING » Surely you have noticed how sometimes in busy parking lots, one person parking off kilter can throw off the whole line, as people compensate — and perhaps overcompensate — as they pull into a space.

Human nature runs on a similar dynamic. You were having a bad day, so you deliberately gave someone else a bad day. And the person with the damaged car might have gone home and given his kids a bad day.

I think you probably ARE the nice person others think you are. And yes, you are also flawed, just like the rest of us.

Make this right by giving yourself — and everybody within a five-mile radius — a big break. Every person out there has a story, even those playing bumper cars at the big box store. Take a breath. Be gentle. And the next time you are having a great day, spread that around.

DEAR AMY » More response to “Non-Hugger.” I am an enthusiastic hugger, and I was in my early 20s — and had literally knocked someone down — before I learned to ask permission before hugging someone.

But I did learn, and I have had people thank me for asking before diving at them with open arms.

— Christina DEAR CHRISTINA » Well done.

Amy Dickinson