Hi hmmnowwhat,

What I have done is not retaliate, but make THEM very uncomfortable and have to either drop it or have to explain themselves.

Simple examples:

“I don’t talk like that.” (deny every put down and label. Every. Time.)

“What do you mean?”

“Not to bring up bad memories, but how did you overcome YOUR weight problem/dead end job? Oh, you didn’t? Sorry Bob! We thought you had one.”

“I don’t like that.” (Then leave room)

“I have? Give me a for instance.”

“I have two questions. Why are you laughing… and why are YOU laughing?”

If it’s one person in particular that does this call them on it PRIVATELY. Make them sweat as they hem and haw on the phone.

Then have an ally (or two or three) pull him aside and say, “Not cool, Bob” if it continues.

A nuclear option is to say, “I can’t believe you said that” and as you leave the party have them overhear you say to someone, “I KNOW! I’m embarrassed for him too….”

Good Luck!

It gets better as you get older. Be the tough old broad no one messes with.

Inky