I don't know why people think it's okay to be rude.
This morning I was walking the dogs, minding my own business. As I left my house, I saw a woman with a kid on a scooter walking around. Towards the end of our walk (the same walk we take every day), I see the woman again. I smile my polite smile, not knowing if the kid will want to pet the dogs.

I'm just starting this smile when the woman says to me in a loud voice DON'T POOP ON MY LAWN. I assume she meant the dogs, since I don't usually poop outdoors. The kid echoes this order so I'm feeling attacked by both an adult and a charming 4 year old. Just to reaffirm her position, she says it again, in case I'm deaf or something.

Meanwhile I'm standing there with a bag of poop that I've removed from other people's lawns, good urban dog parent that I am. I hold the bag out to her and say "uh, I clean it up. Sorry other people don't do the same." Walking away, I muttered my most sarcastic "nice".

If I see her again, will I have the balls to say something like "I'm not sure why you were rude to me but it really bothered me. Had you asked if I pick up the poop I would have gladly discussed it with you but by shouting at me you effectively prevented us from having a civil relationship"??

Probably not, I'll just smile my polite smile and walk on by with my bag of poop.