nowadays, many people confuse plain courtesy with weakness.

and many people confuse assertiveness with aggressiveness.

only the obviously strong can afford to look weak and humble.

this is so true in the corporate environment.

and if I may extend this to driving and our choice of cars, this is one reason people buy those big aggressive-looking SUVs with those huge in-your-face storm-drain grilles and bull-bars. If you are in one of these and you give way, you look considerate.

if you are in a lesser car and give way, you look weak. And inspite of your act of courtesy, they sneer at you: "wimp!"

but ... if you are in a Benz and give way, you look civilized and sophisticated, confirming their initial impression of you in your car.