The main problem with sensitive, vulnerable people is that like one country defending itself from invasion there is no alternative but to equal or more than equal the onslaught. The result of not countering this is to be walked over.
In K-Ley's case unfortunately it is in a classroom environment. The second thread listed is "wit, the only answer to torment"... if mastered can be your greatest tool as a defence without causing drama that will escalate the situation.
I've built 2 homes, the latest one 3 years ago at 64yo. I had a relative I'd call confrontational visit and as we toured our home she had criticisms that were very deflating. After we sat down she continued. I said "so did you fix the fault in the home you built". She replied "oh yes our builder had to under warranty". (my opportunity) "Oh, what, that home in Wallan, didnt you build it yourself" (I knew she didnt) "No, I havent built a house myself" (opportunity) "Oh, with all the faults you picked out here I thought you had". She apologised.
It is sad we have to pre-empt such conversations. And there are times when we are so fragile that out of the blue comments like what you got that day can hit you hard. My daughter was a math/art teacher and she can never work in that field again.
What do you think of such defence tactics?
TonyWK
