It's been said that good manners consist of small sacrifices. As a technical person/hacker, these sacrifices can feel unnecessary or wasteful. But as an exper

It's been said that good manners consist of small sacrifices. As a technical person/hacker, these sacrifices can feel unnecessary or wasteful. But as an experiment, try this. Go out of your way to be as courteous as you possibly can. Listen far more than you talk. Hold the door open for people. Let someone go in front of you in a line. Try saying "Good point, I think you're right actually. I was wrong." (when you realise you're wrong). Show someone respect and courtesy by actively listening to everything they're saying - nod your head, make verbal acknowledgements, etc. Apologise if you think you might have upset someone - "I'm sorry, that was insensitive of me. Let me try again." Ask people's permission to do things - "Do you mind if I grab a cup of tea?" "Do you mind if I come back in 15 minutes?" Etc. In short, courtesy and humility. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how people respond to you. Build on the momentum you create. If people see that you're courteous and trying to do the right thing, they'll give you space to make a mistake here or there. If people think you're an asshole, they obviously won't give you the same benefit of the doubt. Oh and read How to Win Friends and Influence People.