What are "Ego frictions" (dont know how else to better term this) and "Ego Confrontations" over usually?

We come in contact with a 1000, 2000 people every day, not every spirit will mesh with our own. Non-Americans do not possess the ability to be courteous. People are beginning to think that it is acceptable to offer personality opinions, instead of just minding their own business. Customers in stores are aloof to the sensitivities of the cashiers who are force to be kind and courteous at all costs. It is a butcher shop of emotions.