Hi Sky,

Yes, I have delayed reactions somewhat today.

I think it began in my mid 20's when I had lost my voice re: how I felt regarding everything in my life (ptsd after worst experiences ever, etc).

I used to be sharp as a tac.
In a humorous way, not a vicious way - where some people seem to go after today, the juglar.

After passing thru my youth, (after 30, lol) I still hadn't recovered my sense of humor fully yet, so I bit my tongue on 'comebacks' that could be considered inflammatory when I was ticked because I didn't want to hurt anyones' feelings, as mine were, right?

I got so bad at comebacks, I used to just let my mind go blank after offensive words were spoken to me, although that way I'd scratch my head later - asking - after what they said to me, why didn't I retaliate? Tit-for-tat, a comeback, a put-down, a tell-off, something, whatever.

I realized it's only good when nobody gets hurt, and perhaps someone becomes enlightened ...a food for thought kind of thing. Using a clever line is a definate plus!

That's where I am now, but I still miss a beat here and there, (as I recovered my sense of humor and never lost my ability to call a spade a spade) ... but I am also much more cautious these days

Not everyone can handle the word-play to get ones point across, nor can be witty or clever at the same time.

Words being so powerful, and most of us being forth-right honestly, we realize that using words personally towards someone that cuts them, whether we realize it or not, is not worth the price of being witty.

Nothing is worse that spitting out shoe-leather on top of losing face or friends, neighbors, close alliances, whatever because we had to have something smart-assed to say after we were verbally challenged.

I guess maturity is getting the best of us.

I'll take the high road when possible.
As you did.

If I have to quip after a delayed reaction from being stunned, tired, or outright fed up with the person ... I'd try and find something humorous, to the point, and even outrageous ... but not hurtful.

If I need to be hurtful, it's usually when we sit someone down with the truth about their actions or intent, and that usually doesn't cover aging, changing, neighbor-mans, lol.

I'd think of something funny without losing your own sensibilities, and right some quips down in a journal, for future usage, lol.

You just got rusty, and probably from prior victimizing also ... and can back in the game in no time.

If it's worth it to you. Hope you say something cool ... i'm sure he had you mixed up with somebody else anyway, so go easy!

Peace and Love,
nightbird

night