An aspect of your demeanor that you've corrected

I'd be more concerned about the streak of spite running through you that makes you want to manipulate others to 'land themselves in it'. You didnt stop because you realised it was nasty and spiteful, you stopped because you realised others might cop on to what you were at. Is that spiteful streak still there, though? Maybe have a think about why you wanted to do it in the first place and not what forced you to stop.

I used to always put out my right hand to shake hands with people, as is the normal custom. Obviously, I haven't been shaking hand much for the past 18 months, but when I go back to it, I'm going to make an effort to always put out my left hand, even if they've put out their right first. I feel it will - pardon the pun - shake things up and make every interaction memorable, if awkward. It will define me as a maverick while still retaining an acceptable level of sociability. I won't have refused the handshake; au contraire, I will have initiated it. But it will be solely on my terms, and that's the kind of thing that gets you respect. I'd say it's the kind of thing Genghis Khan did on his rise to the top.

I think adjusting and tailoring your behavior to avoid repercussions is perfectly acceptable.

We all get out kicks somehow

Used to fly off the handle at people when a particular topic was being discussed and they expressed a view contrary to my own. Needed to be pulled up on it a few times and was advised to reflect on where all that rage was coming from. Realised it was about my baggage and not the other person. These days I dont take my crap out on others, if that topic is being discussed and I feel myself getting upset I withdraw from the discussion completely.

My question still stands. You modified your behaviour but you didnt actually change anything if the desire to manipulate orhers out of spite is still there. Where does it come from and what do you gain from it? If you really reflect on it you might actually learn something really worthwhile about yourself.

I used to walk with my head down, now I walk with my head up.

Viagra is great.

Used to be a devout Catholic at one point. I'd pray every night before bed, go to Mass on Saturdays/Sundays, and would get annoyed when people would argue that there was no God or question my beliefs. At some point, I just turned away from all of that and now I'm Agnostic. I don't care much for Religion and I find some religious people annoying. The ones who use their religion as a means to hate on others or hide behind their faith like it is some kind've shield p*ss me off.

hahaha. I am in the same camp. I'm from a very large family, and we learned early to not refuse something out of 'politeness'. When my girlfriend came to my house for tea, first time she refused - out of politeness. My mother, not being the "MrsDoyle" of Father Ted fame, simply said: OK, grand and moved on with the teapot. I taught my kids from an early age to accept graciously if offered - if they wanted a cuppa or whatever.

Of course, some people will ask "would you like a cuppa?" in the hope they won't actually have to make it. "Oh, YES PLEASE!" har har har.

I'm garrulous and have over the last few years tried to put a brake on my motormouth, especially in the pub. I've learned that people can tire of my constant 'interesting' contributions. I still occasionally fall back into the trap, but generally catch myself before eyes start to glaze over. (maybe no one has read this far) :-)

I do not use my sarcasm anymore. Simpletons might not understand it, smarter people might get offended. It is just not worth it.