I agree that customers are becoming more obnoxious. Ironically, it is our professional status which they take advantage of. They behave nastily towards the pharmacist, as they know that the professional training of pharmacists encourages them to try and defuse situations, rather than reflect the obnoxious behaviour back on to the perpetrator, and give them a taste of their own medicine. (no pun intended!)
The fact that evil customers feel that attacking innocent, hard-working professionals is accceptable conduct, is a sad reflection of the state of the world in general.
I've recently started a blog, eternityexam.blogspot.com which I find very therapeutic.
Before I started blogging, I was more tempted to give them feedback on how it was unacceptable to take advantage of my good nature. However, now that I have a blog where I can fulfill my peace-warrior aspirations in an intelligent fashion, I find it increasingly easier to remain 100% professional and concentrate on the prescription, problem, or advice.
My thinking is that if they can't interact with me with respect and kindness, then I am entitled to block off any interaction on a "humanity" level, and they have to deal with a pharmacist who is sweet, friendly, helpful, and goes that extra mile; but not because they care for a customer behaving obnoxiously, but because they care for their livelihood, and the oppurtunities it affords them; to enjoy life, and also make a difference for the better.
This approach is working fantastically well, frustation = 0, peace and serenity = 100%.
As many of the people I meet in my day, both in and out of work, give me some of the inspiration for my blog topics, I know justice is beginning to be served. Even if those people don't read my blog (sorry but many of the more obnoxious ones wouldn't understand peaceful, highbrow debate anyway), I believe in karma.
A butterfly flapping it's wings could cause a tornado on the other side of the world...