And sometimes you want to be rude right back--But according to the etiquette experts at Real Simple magazine, when someone ticks you off, there are ways to stand your ground without blowing your top. Here's how:

• If someone cuts you off in the car, you can fume and shout, or you can just let it go. It takes so much less energy to ignore rude behavior than to get all worked up about it   and it's a lot safer. In fact, in a Triple A study of aggressive driving incidents, or "Road Rage", more than 12,800 people were killed or injured as a result of drivers taking out their anger behind the wheel--So just keep your cool.
• If you've got someone cutting in line at the supermarket, Randy Cohen, author of the book "The Good, The Bad & The Difference" says you should calmly say, "The end of the line is actually over there." Be polite, not aggressive, and the fact that other people are listening will shame that person to the back of the line--
• When it comes to snippy waiters, you can sit and let them ruin your dinner, or you can tell the manager that you'd prefer a waiter who can be more professional.
• If it's a rude customer service representative that's getting your goat, check your own tone of voice first. The telephone is kind of anonymous, and gives you the freedom to be a lot less pleasant than you might be in person. But if you're not the one being rude, and the problem continues, ask to talk to a manager or supervisor--
• And finally, pay attention when your kids say rude things. Young children often make remarks about the appearance of other people, without meaning to hurt anyone's feelings. What's the solution? Whisper an apology to the offended party as you leave, and explain to your child in private why such comments are considered inappropriate.