I know exactly what you mean, and unfortunately my usual response to that adrenaline surge usually triggers a loogie- or middle-finger-response, which seldom helps the situation. Working on that though, and I usually try to remember to bring a digital camera, (which tends to make confrontational people hesitate long enough to diffuse a situation.)

Rather than let yourself become cynical and always expecting the worst, I suspect it's probably better to assume that the majority of drivers are kind, courteous, or at least non-confrontational; then just add in a dash of vigilance for the texting drivers.

If you ride everywhere expecting ambush, it will only make you miserable like those hapless souls who haunt the somber halls of the A&S forums.