that's not a sign of weakness or malleability. that's a sign that the work you do (not the job, or the uniform) mean something to you. the right thing, i'd say. you're not compromising by wanting to neutralize conflict and confrontation when you're on the job. you're doing your job as your job should be done. if you were in a situation that really required you to step up to the plate and be aggressive when you were on shift, sure--you'd do it. i reckon. i hope you don't doubt that? this harks back (or forward) to your next post. but people like you wearing uniforms are the ones who're going to change people's opinion of people who wear uniforms. know what i mean? some jobs, you don't always see people at their best. some jobs, you're practically guaranteed that you'll see people at their worst. you're a good guy. if i ever need EMT when i'm in your neck of the woods, i hope you're on duty. i always get something good out of this journal when i read it. can't say that about many blogs. thanks for that.