A great response would have been, "I would hate to go through life being so rude that I felt the need to jump into other people's conversations just to make a snide comment". Of course, that wouldn't have been a good example of de-escalation.Lynyrd wrote:The person nearby then put in their two cents worth and said, "I would hate to go through life being so scared that I looked for reflections in the glass to see who was behind me."
And yes, I check reflections. I also know the location of all possible exits from any room I am in, along with all likely entry points. I know the mood of diners at nearby tables and whether things are starting to get heated in their discussions. When pumping gas, I set the pump and then move to a better position at the front or rear corner of my vehicle. And I am aware of anyone approaching me at all times.