If I am out in public and my hand goes to my weapon, then I have already failed on many of my important responsibilities and training as someone who carries the means of lethal force. If I am about to draw, that means that I am in a life-threatening situation where I am in reasonable fear for my life or the life of others. It means that I failed to identify the risk and the direction of the situation, and that I either did not, or failed to, de-escalate, defuse or withdraw from the situation. Having the ability and the means to employ lethal force is a very serious and very profound responsibility. When I have a weapon, I am not "more bold", I am "more aware". I do not feel that I "don't have to take shit from anyone", I know that if someone starts giving me shit, that I have a ethical and legal obligation to "retreat, withdraw, or otherwise take the shit that they are giving" (yes, even though there are "stand your ground" laws). Why? Because I know that I have the means of employing lethal force. The other person does not know that I have that capability (and I do not want them to know). That means that I have to be the adult, the mature, the ethical, the legally proper person and do all that I can to avoid, defuse, and withdraw. Carrying a weapon doesn't make me "brave or bold". It means that I am (and have to be) more responsible and thoughtful of my situation and my actions. Even if that means my ego pays a price. I have no problem whatsoever running away like a scared schoolgirl if that is a viable and reasonable alternative to employing lethal force. I would rather my ego suffer than having to take on the massive legal, ethical and emotional burden of having to take the life of another.