A snarky response brings tension.
Tension in that you now have to decide what altitude you would like to operate at.
You might be inclined to reply in kind, but that requires stooping to a ‘snarky’ level and that never ends well. There is no tension with this option, it’s just an emotional reactive state.
The tension is inherent in the ‘rising above’ option.
It requires resisting the child screaming for revenge and instead engaging the calm adult.
What previously may have been spontaneous free flowing conversation now has to become carefully measured language that could not be misconstrued.
Don’t take the bait, walk away from the landmine and kill them with kindness.
It can be a challenging situation but also a great opportunity to do something you are proud of.
Thomas Duggan 