I know what you mean. I'm hyperaware of other people's feelings too and that can put you at a huge disadvantage. I think it's all situational though. It depends

I know what you mean. I'm hyperaware of other people's feelings too and that can put you at a huge disadvantage. I think it's all situational though. It depends on who you surround yourself with. In the end I think that what's more important than being an ass or being respectful is the ability to gauge others' temperaments. If you can do that then you can adjust yourself to the situation. Some situations call for asshole behavior. Some people only respond to force. In other situations being humble will win over people.