CarrionCrow: I'll split the difference. They should be smart enough from here on out to at least pull their head out of their ass when dealing with you personally. -laughs-
donsanderson: That would be a good thing. ;) I always try to be a bit of a 'character' in stores, try to get people laughing, I find they remember you better and that helps in later visits. Not much different than in these forums.
In here though I try to be fairly 'meek' since there are many, many people here who know more than I. In RL however I'm not in the least afraid to be assertive, especially when my, or another persons, welfare is concerned. Doctors are just one good example. I am in charge of my health, not them, and I let them know that.
I'm very much a pacifist, but not a doormat. </rant>
I try to be polite. Always polite. When I'm not polite, people start getting scared, and that's not a great way to be able to productively interact with people. Did that recently with a store manager. Was tired, so they got a bit more aggressiveness than usual. They definitely remember me now....
But like you said, can't be a doormat. Have to be more upfront when it comes to important matters.