I want to learn to be less perpetually polite-and-deferential in some ways. I’m so afraid of offending or harming or challenging anyone around me that I miss chances to be playful, to make connections, to engage with people as an equal; being just a bit of a cocky smart-ass has more potential in some important ways. It’s hard to change habits and I’m not sure how to do it, but nothing will happen if I don’t try.