Yes, being nasty back to those who upset us is totally justifiable. I mean, that will make things better when we give them a dose of their own medicine! When we make them feel bad for making us feel bad, they'll stop! Right? Or will that make them want to make US feel bad so that we will stop? Um, who stops first if we both use this tactic?
When someone gives you a gift, and you refuse to accept it, to whom does the gift belong? When someone wants to give us anger, and we refuse to accept it, to whom does the anger belong? (I read that somewhere, resonated well with me)
Next time, when he says, you're on the line when you're backing out, just say, "Oh, Thanks! I'm backing out anyway." and drive off with a smile. If he says "move your basketball net" say, "Oh! Thanks for the reminder!" and move it. Decline his offer of negativity.
Easier said than done, I know. I still struggle with this. But it will get easier with practice.
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