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I don't consider it something I am proud of but something I am aware of and generally able to live with. I am aware of the reasons (or what I think are the reasons) this trait developed in me and aware that they are both irrational and produce a level of misanthropy that is unnecessarily off putting to others.
But while I am willing to share the fact of the way I am and how that impacts I am not willing to share the personal details on why I think it has developed as that is generally irrelevant.
And of course I didn't do anything to let that waitress know I was in any way unhappy with her chasing me down to thank us. I said "you're welcome" and smiled and ah shucked as appropriate.
While I might wish to avoid gifts and thanks, I can only thank of one time I was actually rude when they were forced onto me. Back in college I worked for a lady that insisted on cake and ice cream on every birthday in the group. I had told her that I didn't wish to observe my birthday and would appreciate if she skipped that for me. Then on my birthday I came in and there was a surprise party for me. I quite literally said "I'm sorry but you've put me in an awkward position. Either I sit here and smile and you think I was lying when I said I didn't want my birthday observed or I end up looking like an ungrateful asshole by leaving." Then I left.
I've grown up since then and would never do that now (but have also been successful ever since in convincing my employers to ignore my birthday).
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