I’ve seen a lot of this over the last few years, esp since covid.

Part of it is: “That’s the most absurdly stupid thing I’ve heard in a while, let’s allow this to echo for a bit and maybe when the speaker thinks on what they said for a bit, they’ll reconsider.” But there’s a range, from that to grey rock - just deny the other party any kind of reaction, much less satisfaction. just be a blank space. grey rock is really useful vs narcissists and people who feel entitled (why don’t you just smile more).

we weren’t as sophisticated in this way when I was a kid; if your parent was emotionally manipulative or abusive, we generally had to just eat shit. kids these days can do research and find strategies, and I respect that. on the other hand, I’ve never had a problem just picking up the phone and calling someone, which my kid thinks is absolutely deranged.

it’s funny how times change.