"Poor communication skills can
condemn you to a life of mediocrity and
frustration. Good communication skills
can unlock your dreams of success."
Dr. Robert A. Tracz

Comebacks

Ever felt slighted, attacked or given the third degree and wished you had a comeback. One reader did and asked me if I ever simply wanted a simple one-liner.
You bet I have. While I don't often recommend them – they sure feel good to use.
Interestingly it might even be effective with an extremely aggressive person or someone who repeatedly makes your day miserable and is unresponsive to sensible requests.
Here are some suggestions: bridge from their comment to yours.

SITUATION BRIDGE REPLY
· Ambushed / attacked Ooch! You must have been a mean little boy (girl).
· Marginalization Think so? Shows what you know.
· One up-manship Must be genetic. Got to go.
· Provoked Only God knows. Have a nice day.
· Me… me…me…me Look at that. You halo's tilted.
· Bait & switch Saved again. Amazing how you do that.
· States their expectations Definitely… If I were you.
· Stick-in-the-mud You're right! And imagine if (amplify to point of ridiculousness)
· Third degree Seems like the third degree. You've been watching too many cop shows?
· Vindictive Wrong again. It must get tiring.

Comebacks don't always help… but then there isn't anything that ALWAYS works. If nothing else helps (and you have tried other things on other occasions) – why not.